A 15-year-old Kentucky teenager, Da’Jon Anthony Hayes-Burr, was killed Saturday evening in Louisville, a shooting that occurred months after he received an award for bravery. Police discovered Hayes-Burr's body on a residential street around 8:20 p.m., according to the Louisville Metro Police Department.
A 14-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the crime, though the individual's identity has not been released due to their age. The Louisville Metro Police Department stated that the circumstances leading to the shooting and the relationship between Hayes-Burr and the suspect are currently unclear and under investigation.
In April, Hayes-Burr was lauded for intervening when he witnessed a 45-year-old man, Vasilis Sakellaridis, allegedly harassing a 12-year-old girl during the Thunder Over Louisville event. Hayes-Burr recounted that many adults were present but unwilling to act, prompting him to step in. While stopping the alleged harassment, Hayes-Burr was reportedly stabbed in the chest by Sakellaridis.
Hayes-Burr was treated at a hospital and released the following day. His mother, LaKeita Smith-Burr, expressed relief at his recovery.
For his actions, Hayes-Burr received a Medal of Honor and a bravery plaque from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and two Louisville City Councilwomen. A GoFundMe campaign established to assist his family with funeral expenses noted Hayes-Burr as a "remarkable young person whose courage and kindness touched everyone around him."
A previous GoFundMe, set up to help with medical costs after the stabbing incident, had stated the family's gratitude that Hayes-Burr was alive. The family is now facing the loss of their son.
Hayes-Burr was scheduled to begin his sophomore year of high school next month. The investigation into his death remains ongoing.