Ryan Thomas L. Heard, 19, known as Lil Sticky, was shot and killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on July 15, 2007. He was an aspiring hip-hop producer who ran Sticky Slick Productions in Prairieville and planned to take audio engineering classes.

Authorities described the killing as a drug deal that turned violent. Two suspects were identified. One named suspect was Marshall Lane Dabbs; he faced murder and attempted murder charges but died in August 2008 while under house arrest and awaiting trial. Reports identify a second person who was arrested and charged, but the identity and the outcome of that case are not clear.

Heard’s death cut short a promising artistic career and left questions in the community about unresolved justice. Did anyone who knew Ryan or his work ever see him in the days before July 15, 2007, or have information about the people involved?