Melvin Isaiah Hearns was a 15-year-old African American male from Arcadia, Florida who died on May 16, 2014. He was found that evening with fatal injuries; authorities treated his death as the result of a violent crime and opened an immediate investigation.

Police questioned several individuals in the months after the death and arrests were made as the inquiry moved into legal proceedings. The case drew substantial local attention and the community and Melvin’s family attended court hearings while pressing for justice.

Melvin’s death prompted local discussion about youth safety and violence prevention. If anyone in Arcadia at the time has information about what happened that night or the events leading up to May 16, 2014, please come forward.