Timothy Tripp, 35, was shot dead in the early morning of June 14, 2014, after an argument at the Edge Bar and Lounge on Merrick Boulevard in Queens, New York. The dispute reportedly began over a napkin; Tripp is said to have thrown the napkin in another patron’s face, and that patron, Fruitquana Hawkins, is reported to have pulled a gun and shot Tripp multiple times in the head and torso. Police found Tripp unconscious and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tripp was a father to an 11-year-old daughter, Tameia, engaged to be married to Vanessa McKinley, owned a clothing store called The Men’s Room, and coached youth football for the Jamaica Bulldogs. The community held a Father’s Day vigil after his death. Police initially arrested another man, James Walker, on weapon charges; investigators later arrested 33-year-old Fruitquana Hawkins and charged him with second-degree murder and related firearm offenses.