Family appeals to public for information in Douglass Park shooting death

The family of Kwame El-Amin pleaded publicly Wednesday morning for someone to come forward with information that could lead to an arrest in his shooting death.

Flanked by relatives, Lexington detectives and community organizers, Ahenewa and Aisha El-Amin read a one-page statement asking for information regarding the death of their only brother, Kwame, who was shot on Father's Day at Douglass Park as he was watching the annual Dirt Bowl tournament.

"People continue to ask us what they can do to help," Ahenewa said. "We appreciate the cards, monetary donations and the kind words. However, there is nothing more important at this point than information to bring about justice."

Wednesday's news conference was the first time the family has spoken publicly regarding El-Amin's death. They've been too emotionally disturbed to do it before, Aisha said. Now, they're asking for help.

"Unfortunately, we live in a community that often lives in fear or praises silence; however, this is not the time to remain silent," Aisha said.

Kwame El-Amin and four others were shot at Douglass Park during the annual Dirt Bowl League, a basketball tournament that has been played in the park since the early 1970s.

His slaying was the city's 10th homicide.

Police have had limited information about the shooting and no descriptions of possible suspects. No arrests have been made.

Lt. Brad Ingram with the robbery-homicide unit said detectives weren't able to discuss the case. He said police will support the family, as they do in every case, and they hope the public will help.

"He was known for supporting community events, and on this day, the first day of the summer Dirt Bowl, he was front and center supporting our youth," Ahenewa said. "Kwame's death, quite simply, was a murder committed in broad daylight with many, many, many witnesses."

Kwame, a father of three, was celebrated over the weekend at three memorials. He owned a food truck and at times would set up at Douglass Park as a vendor.

The shooting death has sparked a community discussion on whether the Dirt Bowl should remain at Douglass Park.

"Kwame's fiancée will never know him as a husband; his children no longer have a father; and we no longer have a brother, and my parents no longer have a son," Aisha said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Lexington police at (859) 258-3600.

This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 10:16 AM with the headline "Family appeals to public for information in Douglass Park shooting death."