AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 14, 2026
Remembering Jayz Agnew: A Young Victim of Gun Violence
Four years after the tragic shooting that claimed the life of 13-year-old Jayz Agnew in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland, his mother, Juanita Nunes Agnew, continues to honor his memory through community action. Jayz, who was killed in November 2022 while raking leaves outside his home, is remembered by his mother as a bright, funny teenager who loved joking with his family and playing video games like Fortnite.
The Circumstances of a Tragedy
Jayz was carrying out a routine household chore when he was fatally shot. His killing remains unsolved, and the heartbreak for his family is compounded by the absence of answers. "We want to remember him as the boy he was and not the way he died," Juanita Agnew said, emphasizing the importance of cherishing his memory beyond the circumstances of his death.
Community Walk for Gun Violence Prevention
To honor her son, Agnew is holding the fourth annual gun violence prevention walk. The one-mile event will begin at 2 p.m. at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School in Temple Hills—Jayz’s former school. The walk aims not only to keep Jayz’s memory alive but also to unite the community in taking a stand against gun violence. A $25,000 reward is currently offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in Jayz’s case.
Frustration and Hope in an Ongoing Police Investigation
Despite the passage of time, Agnew continues to feel frustration over the lack of progress in the police investigation, citing inconsistent communication from investigators. Prince George’s County police Chief George Nader acknowledged the challenges, stating that detectives have been working on the case from the beginning and have not forgotten about Jayz or his family. Nader encouraged anyone with information—no matter how insignificant it may seem—to come forward, reminding the community that sometimes it is the smallest details that bring justice in unsolved homicide cases. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Prince George’s County Crime Solvers or directly to the Homicide Unit.
The Jayz Agnew Foundation: Turning Grief into Action
In response to her loss, Agnew established the Jayz Agnew Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to provide young people with practical life skills and positive alternatives to crime, offering mentorship and resources that may not otherwise be accessible. Agnew sees this support as essential to diverting youth away from crime and building brighter futures. She emphasized the need for more mentors and funding to expand the foundation’s impact.
Perseverance and Community Support
Saturday’s walk serves as both a memorial and a call to action. Chief Nader confirmed that the police department will continue to stand with the Agnew family and the community, pledging ongoing support in the pursuit of justice. Despite the lack of an arrest, Agnew remains hopeful: "I still believe. I still believe that one day we’ll know who and why."
Source: wtop.com.
