Nathaniel McNealy was 18 when he was fatally shot in the early morning hours of October 1, 2016. He was visiting friends in Lexington who were attending the University of Kentucky and was at a large party in a townhouse on Unity Drive when gunfire was reported just before 2 a.m. Responding officers found McNealy with multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. Police said a preliminary investigation indicated an altercation at the party led to the shooting.

McNealy’s mother and those who knew him remembered him as funny and loving, and friends and family shared photos and memories after his death. No immediate arrests were made, no suspects have been publicly identified, and the case remained open as investigators continued to seek leads. If anyone was at that Unity Drive gathering or has information about the altercation that night, please come forward.