Shots at birthday party in upstate New York, one teenager dies

Horror at a birthday party

Two teenagers attending a birthday party in Schenectady Saturday night were involved in gunfire. One of the children affected was a thirteen-year-old girl who was expected to survive. Unfortunately, a fifteen year old boy died in the hospital.

What happened?

According to Schenectady police, shots were fired outside a home at 1122 Congress Street in Schenectady where many people were attending a party.

According to Schenectady police, the incident occurred on Congress Street in Schenectady around 11:20 p.m. Then a call allegedly came in about multiple gunshots. When officers arrived, they said they saw a large crowd fleeing the area and then they found the 15-year-old boy in the backyard of 1122 Congress Street.

Schenectady police have identified the 15-year-old victim of last night’s shooting on Congress Street as Dubar T. Knowles of Schenectady.

The 13-year-old female victim is also from Schenectady and is currently recovering from surgery at a local hospital for a gunshot wound. Her condition is stable.

Police do not have anyone in custody at this time, but NYSP detectives and investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 518-788-6566.

Boy who died in 2016 lost his sister to gun violence

As if the tragic news couldn’t get any worse, the Times Union reports that Dubar’s sister Medina was shot in the head and killed in 2016 by a man she was dating.

TU states that Medina was shot by Raekwon Stover after the couple got into an argument. A Schenectady County jury convicted Stover of second-degree murder and weapons and evidence tampering. In August 2017, he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Youth Basketball Program Remember the life of Knowles

Upon hearing the news, the Schenectady Basketball Club made a heartfelt post on Facebook remembering the young man who lost his life Saturday night, writing:

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of one of our bright and promising members of our Schenectady community and a former member of our youth basketball league. At just 15 years old, Dubar Knowles was taken from us far too soon. He was an athlete, a friend, a teammate and a young person full of potential and hope. We will forever remember his smile, his dedication and the joy he brought to everyone around him…
Rest in peace, Dubar. You will never be forgotten. 💔

Schenectady student says she almost went to the party

A thoughtful and intelligent student named Gianna Aldi posted this on the Schenectady Police Department Facebook page. As a young woman, she expressed her thoughts about the tragedy quite intelligently:

As a student who wanted to go but didn’t, the entire party was planned and intended to be safe. I was invited by the birthday boy himself and there were guards patting people down at the door. The flyer said to leave the drama at home and it’s sad that people aren’t listening… A 15 year old boy died. He will never be able to live the full life he deserves. He will never marry or own a car or a house. He will never see the joy of the world.