Paul Wyatt Russell Jr., a 30-year-old Black man living in Meridian, was fatally shot on October 20, 2016, at the intersection of West 39th and Stockton streets in Garden City, Idaho. Russell had not been part of the earlier dispute; he went to the intersection because a friend was involved in an argument and he believed the friend might need help getting away. Investigators and prosecutors say Russell was unarmed when gunfire erupted after two men, Lyle Joe Croson and Mykle Don Blumenshine, arrived armed. Authorities determined the round that struck Russell in the head came from Blumenshine’s gun. He was rushed to a hospital, declared brain dead and died after being taken off life support.

Prosecutors pursued gang-related motives, identifying Croson as a member of the Severely Violent Criminals and saying Russell’s friend had shown what was viewed as gang-related disrespect. Russell had no known gang ties. Pena, who had been involved in the earlier argument, later pleaded guilty to accessory to second-degree murder and agreed to cooperate; Blumenshine and Croson admitted criminal responsibility and were sentenced to life terms with parole eligibility after 18 and 15 years respectively. Russell’s family described him as a talented artist, a hard worker and someone who helped others.

If anyone knew Russell or was at that intersection on October 20, 2016, please come forward with what you remember.