On May 10, 2024, 18-year-old Jovan Nazier Omari Sewell was shot near East Warren Street and Chestnut Street in Shelby, North Carolina. Shelby Police arrived just before noon and found Sewell with a gunshot wound; he was taken to Atrium Health - Cleveland and later died of his injuries. His mother, Talissa Taylor, said he was called Naz, had a smile that lit a room, cared for others, and was athletically gifted — especially fast on the football field — and had been making positive changes in his life.

As of December 24, 2024, no arrests have been announced and the Shelby Police Department is still investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 704-484-6845 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Cleveland County at 704-481-TIPS.

If anyone knew Jovan Nazier Omari Sewell or witnessed the shooting, please share information that could help the investigation.