James J Owens was 33 when he was fatally shot outside his Huxley Avenue residence in Providence, Rhode Island, on the night of December 11, 2021. Found in his driveway with multiple gunshot wounds, he was taken to Rhode Island Hospital and pronounced dead; the city recorded his death as its 23rd homicide that year.

Known on stage as Hammer Beanz and Hammer Hendrix, Owens had a distribution deal with Sony Orchard for a debut album titled Coexistence and was described as an emerging figure in Providence’s music scene. He also completed carpentry classes, worked as a roofer, and was remembered as a devoted husband to Emily Horner, a father of three, a community activist, and a charismatic presence.

Police said the shooting appeared targeted but did not disclose a motive. Investigators canvassed the neighborhood, no weapon was recovered at the scene, and no suspects or arrests had been publicly identified as the investigation continued.

If anyone knew James, lived on Huxley Avenue, or has information about that night, please come forward to assist the ongoing inquiry.