Jaqavis Montell Allen, 24, was shot and killed on August 1, 2021, in Monroe, North Carolina. A resident of Wingate, he was the son of Karen Howard and Reginal Allen and father to two sons, Khazi Crawford and Karter Allen; his sisters are Ladache Davis and Kemora Davis.

Allen was at a party on South West Street when an argument escalated into a violent altercation. Multiple gunshots were fired; Allen was found face down in the front yard with several gunshot wounds and a firearm beneath him. He was taken to Atrium Union hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Monroe police investigated and arrested 22-year-old Robert Lee Ashcraft III, charging him with first-degree murder, discharging a firearm in an occupied property, and possession of a firearm by a felon; he was taken to the Union County Jail and held without bond. City leaders and the Sheriff’s Office responded by urging community anti-violence efforts and increasing patrols.

If anyone knew Allen or was at the party that night, can you share what you saw or heard?