Four-month-old DaMari McClendon was killed on May 29, 2022, in Monroe, North Carolina, when an unidentified gunman opened fire during a family barbecue. DaMari’s father, 25-year-old Darion McClendon, was also shot and killed while family members inside the house heard the shots and tried to protect the baby.

The Monroe Police Department responded and launched a homicide investigation. Authorities offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, and in August 2022 a 21-year-old, Tahjii Katrell Salves Bennett, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling; he was held without bail.

The family has been left grieving and the community has rallied in support. If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information that could help the investigation, please contact the Monroe Police Department.