A Fourth of July block party in 2016 on the 5300 block of Cooper Street in Detroit ended in tragedy when 21-year-old Lamonte Jacobs was shot. He died of his wounds the next day, on July 5, 2016. The shooting happened between Barker and Moffat Avenue during a crowded holiday gathering.

Detroit police investigated, but efforts to identify the shooter have been hampered by a strong no-snitch culture among witnesses. Investigators believe people at the scene saw what happened, yet cooperation has been minimal. Lamonte’s father, Willie Clark III, has pressed for answers and raised money to offer a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, supplementing a separate Crime Stoppers reward.

As of early 2020 no arrests had been made and the case remains open. If anyone who attended that block party or who knows anything about the shooting can help, please come forward with information.