Fifteen-year-old Javel Lawton was fatally shot on January 2, 2024, outside the Bayview Houses in Canarsie, Brooklyn. He was found with a gunshot wound to his torso and taken to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Javel, born March 19, 2008, had been visiting friends at the NYCHA complex and was leaving a building alone when he was approached by a group of four to five masked and hooded males.

Detectives are exploring whether the shooting was gang-related, with possible links mentioned to a Bloods subset called APES and to the Crips for the individual in light blue, but police have not confirmed any gang affiliation for Javel. No arrests have been announced and the investigation is ongoing.

Family and friends remember Javel as a charismatic, helpful youngest son who dreamed of a future in real estate. If anyone saw the shooting or knows the identities of the men who fled, please contact investigators with information.