Daniel Elijah Hawkins, 29, was fatally shot on March 18, 2023, at Whitemarsh Memorial Park in Ambler, Pennsylvania during a gathering to mark the birthday of Tyrek Fairel, who had been killed in 2013. More than 30 shots were fired in the altercation; 33-year-old Arian Davis of Philadelphia was seriously wounded with gunshot injuries to the jaw, hand, and leg.

Investigators report a long history between those present. A decade earlier Hawkins had been driving the vehicle when Fairel was shot and killed. On the day of the cemetery shooting, Hawkins, who was barred from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions, allegedly approached a vehicle occupied by Davis and another person and fired a Glock modified with a switch to operate fully automatic. Davis, who held a valid carry permit, returned fire and struck Hawkins.

The Montgomery County District Attorney determined Davis acted in self-defense and announced no criminal charges would be filed. Investigators also found the Jeep Grand Cherokee Hawkins had driven to the cemetery had been reported stolen.

If anyone witnessed the shooting at Whitemarsh Memorial Park or knew Hawkins, Davis, or others at the gathering, please share what was seen or heard with the inquiry.