Josiah Shaw should be a senior in high school, getting ready for traditional events including his prom and graduation. Josiah will never have the chance, though, after he was murdered 17 years ago.
“He had no reason to leave here at that age,” said Donna Shaw, Josiah’s grandmother. “All of that was taken from him, on this day, 17 years ago.”
Josiah, a 1-year-old who was still in his car seat, was fatally shot in the face and groin. His mother, Kwana Shaw, was shot and someone drove away in her car with Josiah still inside.
The car was found three blocks to the north of 21st Avenue and Malcolm X Drive, with Josiah still in the car. Kwana Shaw was critically injured but survived.
To honor his memory and demand justice, Josiah’s family members held a memorial at the corner of 21st Avenue and Malcolm X Drive where the incident occurred 17 years before. Kwana Shaw didn’t attend Tuesday’s event, but Donna Shaw said her daughter is still feeling the loss of her son.
“Children are very fresh, they’re gifts,” Donna Shaw said Tuesday. “We’re supposed to love them. We’re not supposed to harm them.”
No one has been arrested for the shootings. Family members and volunteers handed out fliers asking for help to find Josiah.
Donna Shaw asked anyone who knows anything to come forward.
“Why have you never come forward?” Donna Show asked. “We will have justice. … It should’ve never taken this long.”
Sylvia Squzert, Josiah’s great aunt, said she goes to the memorial each year to get justice.
“I believe today is the day,” Squzert said. “I believe that, and I hope, that someone will come forth with the information we need to solve this case.”
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter attended Tuesday’s memorial and said his office has worked with the Shaw family throughout the investigation. Carter knows someone is out there who knows something, he said.
Since Josiah’s murder 17 years ago, the prosecutor’s office has done what they can to bring clarity to the investigation, Carter said. Prosecutors have continued to take statements and collect evidence to help with the investigation.
Carter stressed that Josiah’s murder is still an active investigation and not a cold case.
“I say this every year,” Carter said, “but we’re not giving up until we find who did this. We have to, and we will.”
Carter encouraged anyone with evidence to come forward. Lisette Guillen, executive producer of Case Files Chicago, which helped with Tuesday’s event, asked people to contact the Gary Police Department if they know anything.
“Yes, this case is still ongoing, and we do need the community’s help,” Guillen said. “Without the community’s help, police can’t solve problems.”
Robert Squzert, Josiah’s great uncle, asked why Josiah’s murder hasn’t been solved yet. He called on local law enforcement to help find who’s responsible.
“We have to come out and stand out,” Squzert said. “Why can’t they solve this crime? That’s the question everyone should be asking themselves. Why?”
Anybody having information on Shaw’s case was urged to call the Gary Police Department at 219-881-1209.
