Justin Kalief Blanton, a 19-year-old Black man and recent Central High School graduate, was killed on August 14, 2020, on Central Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. He owned and operated Ace, a smoke shop on Central Street, and co-owned Blanton Landscaping with his brothers. Friends and family remembered him as kind-hearted, good-natured, and quick to smile.

The Springfield Police Department opened a homicide investigation after the shooting. Investigators identified a suspect and an arrest was made; the person was arraigned in Springfield District Court on charges connected to Blanton’s death. Motive and many investigative details have not been publicly released.

If anyone knew Justin, his businesses, or observed activity on Central Street around August 14, 2020, please share information that might help the case.