A 15-year-old Louisville student, Da’Jon Hayes-Burr, was fatally shot on Saturday night in the Shawnee neighborhood, according to WAVE. His death follows a period of community recognition for his bravery in April, when he was stabbed attempting to protect a 12-year-old girl from sexual harassment.
A 14-year-old male has been charged with murder in connection with Hayes-Burr's death.
Bravery Recognized
In April, Hayes-Burr intervened when Vasilis Sakellaridis, 45, allegedly made lewd comments towards Bristol Staisel. According to reports, Hayes-Burr and his friends shielded the girl and tackled Sakellaridis. During the confrontation, Sakellaridis allegedly stabbed Hayes-Burr in the stomach. Sakellaridis, who was reportedly intoxicated and belligerent, was arrested and charged with assault, public intoxication, and fleeing police.
Despite sustaining injuries, Hayes-Burr later explained his actions, telling WAVE, "Since I got a little sister, I wanted…if something happened to my little sister, I’d want somebody to help." His courage was acknowledged by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who presented him with a letter and a challenge coin recognizing his bravery.
Bristol Staisel's mother, Kristyn, hailed Hayes-Burr as a hero, expressing devastation that another child was harmed while defending hers. She stated, "He put his life on the line, and for that I’m forever grateful. Those kids are heroes beyond heroes."
Community Response
Hayes-Burr was preparing to start his sophomore year of high school. Friends and family described him as a "remarkable young person whose courage and kindness touched everyone." A GoFundMe was established to help his mother, Lakeita, with funeral expenses, noting that he was looking forward to his future, which has now been "heartbreakingly cut short."
Governor Beshear offered his condolences, stating, "Da’Jon was a child of God whose life was taken far too soon, and his bravery and selflessness will leave a lasting impact on the Louisville community and our commonwealth."