Akii McFadden, 25, was shot and killed on Independence Avenue in Lake City, South Carolina on the evening of December 24, 2019. He had graduated from Lake City High School in 2013; family and friends remembered him as funny, laid back, and the life of the party. The shooting occurred four days after his birthday and left his family — especially his father, who was his only child — grieving and searching for answers.

The family’s long wait has been a central part of the story for the Lake City community.

If anyone knew Akii, saw activity on Independence Avenue that Christmas Eve, or has information about the shooting, please come forward to assist the investigation.