In the late hours of June 4, 2023, 18-year-old Baba Jawara was shot in the 11300 block of Southeast Kent-Kangley Road on Kent’s East Hill. Officers found him with a gunshot wound to the chest; he was conscious at first but was taken to a hospital and died on June 5, 2023. The King County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the chest.

The shooting happened near the Phoenix Court Apartments, a location tied to multiple violent incidents over several months. Kent Police opened a homicide investigation, interviewed witnesses and collected evidence, and have said they do not believe the shooting was random. No arrests have been announced. Family members described Jawara as quiet, deeply religious and active in his church’s food bank and senior transportation; they said he had been spending time with relatives that day and believe the shooter was a 17-year-old male who knew him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kent Police tip line.