"We all just trying to get down on the ground, but the room is only but so big. So we are all scattering, trying to lay down on the floor. At the moment, I was just thinking that I'm going to die here." — Jason
"I don't know if they're scared that somebody gonna do something to them or they're just not telling. Now she passes their information along to detectives but the whole thing is frustrating to everyone who wants this case solved." — Tanisha Coleman
"We don't ever think we can. We need help. We need help from the citizens who know information to step up and tell the truth." — Major Damien McLean
The episode chronicles the shooting death of 19-year-old Marqueez "Queez" Weiss Coleman, a promising college athlete, who was killed when gunfire erupted at a friend's home. The initial 911 call details a chaotic scene where Marqueez was shot, leading to a frantic effort to get him to the hospital, with an ambulance delay exacerbating the situation. Investigators were met with a large, supportive crowd at the hospital, but learned Marqueez was deceased. Interviews revealed Marqueez was a beloved figure in his community, known for his athletic achievements and positive character, and was not the intended target. The investigation suggests the shooting may be connected to a prior incident involving the resident of the trailer home, who had recently been arrested. Despite community efforts to offer rewards and raise awareness, the case remains unsolved, highlighting the challenges of obtaining crucial information from witnesses who may be hesitant to cooperate due to fear or other reasons. The episode also touches upon the broader issue of violent crime in Robinson County, with a history of shootings on the same road, and the community's frustration with the pace of investigations into unsolved homicides.
The narrative explores the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including the friend's recent arrest and a cryptic comment about being "set up." Witnesses, including a survivor identified as "Jason," recount the terrifying moments of the shooting, emphasizing the speed and intensity of the gunfire. The difficulty in piecing together a definitive timeline and confirming witness accounts, including the number of people present at the trailer, is noted, alongside potential discrepancies in witness statements. The episode also details the forensic findings from Marqueez's autopsy, confirming he was shot multiple times. The community's response, including the formation of a "Stop the Violence" coalition and memorial events, reflects a desire for action and justice, yet the lack of arrests and the persistent rumors create an environment of fear and frustration.
The podcast emphasizes the critical need for community cooperation in solving Marqueez's murder, with law enforcement urging citizens to come forward with truthful information. The narrative points to the possibility of a connection between Marqueez's death and the prior gas station shooting, hinting that the motive might lie within the history of the individuals involved in that incident, particularly a man with prior charges. The episode concludes by reinforcing the community's continued efforts to keep Marqueez's story alive through public appeals and memorials, while expressing the deep longing for resolution and accountability for his death.