On January 16, 2023, 27-year-old Akeem Anderson was shot in the chest and killed after a family dispute at a West Springfield gas station escalated into a physical fight. The confrontation began between Anderson and his nephew, Paul Roberts, and intensified when Roberts’ father arrived; a single gunshot during the struggle proved fatal.

Roberts was arraigned in Springfield District Court on charges of manslaughter and assault and battery with a firearm. Prosecutors say Roberts, who legally possessed the firearm, discharged it during the altercation and that the shooting stemmed from a long-standing family dispute. The defense contended Anderson had terrorized Roberts and his father, a claim disputed by Anderson’s mother-in-law, Sabrina Ward, who described him as an outgoing, loving partner and family member.

Did anyone witness the argument at the gas station or have information about the dispute leading up to that night?