Semaj Jamesz Lavender was 18 when he was shot and killed in San Bernardino on March 18, 2013. He was a passenger in a vehicle entering a gated apartment complex on North Loma Avenue when shots were fired; Lavender was struck multiple times in the upper body. The driver fled the scene and later took Lavender to St. Bernardine Medical Center, where he died shortly after arrival.

At the time of reporting investigators had not identified any suspects or a clear motive and were unsure whether the shooting was gang-related, though the neighborhood had known gang connections. SMASH investigators were on scene to collect evidence and interview witnesses. Lavender’s family and the community were left seeking answers.

If anyone saw activity at the North Loma Avenue complex that evening or has information about this shooting, please share what is known with the San Bernardino Police Department.