Jacob D. Howard was 15 and a sophomore at Homestead High School when he was shot and killed near North 37th and West Marion streets in Milwaukee on May 2, 2021, at about 5:20 a.m. Friends called him Jay or Lil-Jay and remembered him as a bright, loving presence whose small stature belied a big personality.

His death prompted a memorial at Homestead High School and a GoFundMe that raised more than $20,000 to help with funeral costs. Milwaukee police have not released specifics about what led to the shooting, and no arrests have been announced; the identity of the person who shot Jacob remains unknown.

The school community and Jacob’s family have urged action against gun violence and continue to mourn. If anyone has information about the circumstances that morning or the person responsible, please come forward to Milwaukee police.