Larry James Graham was 17 when he was shot and killed on May 23, 2016, in Auburndale, Florida. A student at Auburndale Senior High School and a member of the high school band, he enjoyed skating, soccer, baseball, basketball, hunting, fishing, running, and music. Larry was walking toward a house on Kim Street when a man in a gray ski mask pointed a shotgun at him and then shot him in the face; he died instantly. Witnesses saw the gunman flee toward a waiting truck that was later identified as a stolen vehicle.

Investigators arrested two 19-year-olds, Todd Gates Jr. and Jacob Byers, charging them with first-degree murder, attempted armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and grand theft; Gates faced additional charges related to tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Witnesses later changed their accounts, which complicated the prosecution. Larry’s family and community remember him for his many interests and the loss has had a lasting impact. If anyone knew Larry or has information about the events on Kim Street that night, please come forward.