Dezarae Marie Sewell was 19 when she died on April 26, 2015, at Rockford Memorial Hospital from traumatic injuries after being shot in the head on Oakley Street. Born January 29, 1996, to John and Brenda Sewell, she enjoyed volleyball, roller skating, and spending time with friends and family. Reports say the shooting was a gang-related incident and that her boyfriend, who was a gang member, had been the intended target; Dezarae died after ten days in the hospital.

Investigations were opened to find those responsible, and the case drew attention from law enforcement and the community. If anyone knew Dezarae, saw activity on Oakley Street around that time, or has information relevant to the shooting, please share what is known.