Gavin Lee Blankenship was 14 when he was shot and killed on the evening of May 12, 2022, at the Arbor Trails apartment complex in Niles, Michigan. Born April 18, 2008, in Mishawaka, Indiana, Gavin was described by family and friends as a protector and prankster who loved football, basketball, baseball and fishing and hoped to become a tattoo artist.

A candlelight vigil followed his death, with attendees wearing shirts reading LLG for Long Live Gavin. The investigation identified Rease Pence as a suspect; Pence was later found guilty of first-degree murder in Gavin’s killing. Pence, who was 20 at the time of conviction, was already serving a long sentence for two other murders in South Bend earlier the same year. Sentencing for Gavin’s murder was scheduled for January 12, and because Pence was 17 when the crime occurred the court may hold a hearing on eligibility for life without parole.

If anyone knew Gavin or has information about the shooting at Arbor Trails on May 12, 2022, please come forward.