Kyree Harvey was a talented and well-liked young man who had made a name for himself as a high school football player. At Salesian High School in Richmond, California, he was part of a formidable team, remembered for his contributions on the field. Friends and family knew the 27-year-old as Kyree Stewart, and his death left a void in the lives of those who loved him. He was remembered as a funny, kind, and loyal person who had a bright future ahead of him.
On the evening of Saturday, April 16, 2016, a group of people gathered for a get-together at a home in a residential neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona. The gathering was taking place on the 1100 block of East Caldwell Street, near the intersection of South 7th Street and East Dobbins Road. At approximately 8:20 p.m., the sounds of gunfire suddenly shattered the evening air, sending attendees scrambling for safety.
When the chaos subsided, Kyree was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency services were called to the scene, but his injury was too severe. Despite medical efforts, Kyree died from the shooting, his life abruptly and violently ended. The Phoenix Police Department quickly responded and secured the area, beginning what would become a years-long homicide investigation.
Detectives, led by Sergeant Vince Lewis, began interviewing the many people who were present at the residence when the shooting occurred. They learned that an unknown individual had opened fire into the crowd and then fled the scene before police could arrive. The motive for the shooting was not immediately clear, and investigators were faced with the difficult task of piecing together the events of a chaotic and crowded scene to identify the person responsible.
In the immediate aftermath, there was some public confusion regarding the victim's name. While police initially identified him as Kyree Harvey, family and friends confirmed his name was Kyree Stewart. This discrepancy was noted in several news reports and online memorials created in his honor. A GoFundMe campaign was established by loved ones to help his family with the unexpected costs following his sudden death, a testament to the community that rallied around them in their time of grief.
The investigation into Kyree's murder has remained active, but challenging. With a suspect who disappeared into the night and a motive that has never been publicly established, the case has grown cold over the years. No arrests have been made, and no specific person of interest has been publicly named by law enforcement. For Kyree's family and friends, the lack of resolution has meant an extended period of pain and unanswered questions.
As of the spring of 2016, the Phoenix Police Department continues to seek information from the public that could lead to a breakthrough in the case. They believe someone who was at the gathering that night may hold the key to identifying the shooter. The case remains an open and active homicide investigation, a painful reminder of a life taken too soon. Authorities urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. A reward may be available through the Silent Witness program for tips that lead to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.