Donnie Dior Gray Jr., known as DJ, was a 15-year-old freshman who was shot and killed the evening of Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the Prairie Apartments complex in South Bend, Indiana. He was pronounced dead at the scene on Prairie Avenue’s 2600 block. Born September 4, 2007, Donnie had once attended South Bend schools, had moved out of state, and was back in South Bend when the shooting occurred. Loved ones remembered him as kind-hearted, someone who liked music and basketball.

The South Bend Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit opened an investigation and an autopsy was scheduled in Kalamazoo. A 16-year-old juvenile was taken into custody and a delinquency petition was filed charging reckless homicide and dangerous possession of a firearm; prosecutors also moved to try the teenager as an adult. The suspect’s name was not released because of his age. A prayer vigil was held by the community to honor Donnie and call for an end to violence.

If anyone knew Donnie or has information about what happened that night, please come forward.