On November 5, 2021, at about 6 p.m. Harrisburg police responded to a shooting in the 100 block of South 13th Street and found 14-year-old Malachi Tarzan John with a gunshot wound to the head. EMS took him to a local hospital; he died of his injuries on November 7, 2021. Malachi was a student in Harrisburg City Schools; teachers remembered him as bright, witty, kind, and known for a smile that lit up a room. He enjoyed music and comedy shows such as the Golden Girls and was well-liked by friends.

Investigators identified and arrested a juvenile suspect; because of the ages involved the suspect’s identity and exact charges were not publicly disclosed and the matter proceeded in the juvenile justice system. The community organized a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses, and services were held on November 18, 2021, at Hooper Memorial Home Inc. Malachi is survived by his parents, Robert C. John and Ruby Martinez John, siblings, and extended family. If anyone knew Malachi or has information about the shooting, please come forward with what you know.