NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – A back-to-school event was held Saturday in New Haven in memory of Trequon Lawrence, who was shot and killed in September 2021. 

Lawrence was only 27 years old when he was killed on Newhall Street. His parents, Pashion Watts-Gaines and LaShawn Gaines, and grandmother organized a back-to-school event to honor his memory. 

“It’s something that he wanted to do with one of his best friends so even though he’s not here, we want to continue his memory and just be able to give back the community,” said Watts-Gaines, Lawrence’s mother. The second annual back-to-school event was at East Rock Park and included backpack giveaways, food, games and raffles. Watts-Gaines and Gaines used their own money to buy the backpacks and bikes. It was a bittersweet day for Trequon’s family but a reminder to the community they’ve found. 

“It’s also a good opportunity to show people who lost loved ones to gun violence that it’s not the end,” said Gaines, Lawrence’s father. “You can turn something tragic into something good.” 

Nancy Jordan, a retired New Haven police officer, attended the event with m

embers of a New Haven-based victims support group for families who have lost a loved one to gun violence. Even though Jordan retired earlier this year, she said it was still important to show up for the families she’s met. She called the group “a sisterhood, a friendship and family.”

Chief Karl Jacobson was also at the event. He was the assistant chief of the detective bureau when Lawrence was killed. 

“It’s important to show the families that we don’t forget either and they’re not forgotten,” he said. I’ve seen homicides solved ten years later, two years, later. We’re still hoping to solve this case.” 
Jacobson said detectives are still 

investigating Trequon’s homicide. He said they’ve identified suspects and are close to solving the crime but they need people with information to come forward. 

You can submit an anonymous tip to 1-866-888-TIPS or text “NHPD plus your message” to 74637 (CRIMES). You can also send information to ecic@newhavenct.gov.