Columbus E. Brooks Jr., 18, was fatally shot on the evening of July 5, 2023, near Woodlawn Avenue and Dupont Street in Buffalo while he was reportedly playing basketball. Known as Lumbo and remembered by family as joyful with plans to become a parole officer or firefighter, Brooks suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Emergency services were called about 9:27 p.m.; first responders treated him at the scene, but a significant amount of time passed before he was taken to Erie County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:10 p.m.

No arrests or suspects have been publicly identified. Crime Stoppers WNY has offered up to a $7,500 reward for information leading to an arrest. Brooks’ sister, Athenia Cyrus, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Buffalo and AMR, alleging a roughly 30-minute delay in transport that the family says cost him his life; the case has prompted rallies and broader concerns about disparities in emergency medical response. If anyone knew Columbus or saw the shooting or events that evening, please share what is known with investigators.