In the early morning hours of August 13, 2024, 27-year-old Darius Henson Francis, known as Di Kartel, was fatally shot on the 200 block of Maple Street in Southeast Reading, Pennsylvania. Reading Police responded to reports of a shooting at about 12:50 a.m. and found Francis with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Reading Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Born in Brooklyn on January 25, 1997, Francis was a Black/African American man remembered by family and community for a helpful nature and a close bond with his mother, Sthrudy, and younger sister, Apryl. He worked as a photographer and content creator, using his talents to express creativity and connect with others.

The investigation is ongoing; authorities have not released information about suspects and no arrests have been announced. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Reading Police or Crime Alert Berks.

If anyone knew Darius or has information that could help the investigation, please come forward to the authorities.