On the night of October 15, 2020, 17-year-old Jamele Hill and his 16-year-old cousin, Millyon Colquitt, were tragically shot to death while sitting in an SUV in Willowbrook, California. The two high school student-athletes were hanging out with friends when an unknown assailant approached their vehicle and opened fire. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on the 12200 block of Maple Avenue in the unincorporated community of Athens Village.
Despite the presence of three other friends in the back seat, only Hill and Colquitt were struck by the gunfire, suffering fatal injuries. The vehicle subsequently crashed into a parked car, and both teens were pronounced dead at the scene.
Jamele Hill was a senior at Gardena High School, where he played football and was being scouted by colleges for his athletic talents. His cousin, Millyon Colquitt, was an 11th grader at Centennial High School and a standout varsity basketball player. The senseless violence that claimed their lives left their families and the community in shock and mourning. Family members and friends described Hill as a humorous and kind-hearted individual who had a bright future ahead of him.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the shooter. Despite their efforts, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear. The authorities have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. Community members and relatives have pleaded for anyone with information to come forward, hoping to bring justice for Hill and Colquitt.
The case has drawn significant attention, with local officials and community leaders urging an end to the violence that has plagued the area. Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas recommended the reward, emphasizing the need for community cooperation to solve the case. The tragic deaths of Jamele Hill and Millyon Colquitt serve as a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence on young lives and the importance of collective efforts to ensure safety and justice in the community.
