Da'Jon Hayes-Burr, a 15-year-old student from Louisville, Kentucky, died after being shot Saturday night in the Shawnee neighborhood, an incident for which a 14-year-old boy faces a murder charge.
The young man's family described the crime as a “tragic and senseless” death, while the community mourns the loss of a teenager who months ago had been recognized for an act of bravery.
He had risked his life to protect a girl
Hayes-Burr's death occurred just three months after she intervened to defend Bristol Staisel, a 12-year-old girl who authorities said was the victim of alleged sexual comments by Vasilis Sakellaridis, 45, during the Thunder Over Louisville airshow in April.
According to the information available, the minor reacted by shouting “pedophile,” at which point Hayes-Burr and several friends formed a circle to protect her and subsequently subdued the man.
During the altercation, Sakellaridis allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the teen in the stomach.
Hayes-Burr himself later explained why he decided to intervene.
“Because I have a little sister, I thought that if something happened to her, I would like someone to help her,” he said.
His bravery was recognized by the governor
After surviving the knife attack, the teenager received a letter of recognition and a challenge coin from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in honor of his performance.
After learning of his death, Beshear expressed his condolences.
"Britainy and I are praying for Da'Jon's family and everyone affected by this tragedy. Da'Jon was a son of God whose life was taken too soon, and his bravery and selflessness will leave a lasting mark on the Louisville community and our state."
Kristyn Staisel, mother of the girl whom Hayes-Burr protected, said she will never forget the young man's sacrifice.
"Finding out that a 15-year-old teenager had been injured defending my daughter was devastating. The son of another family put his life at risk for mine, and for that I will always be grateful. Those boys were heroes," she said.
He also noted that he believes the student's intervention could have prevented other people from being victims that night.
A new case mourns his family
Family and friends started a fundraising campaign to help the teen's mother, Lakeita, cover funeral expenses.
In the description of the initiative they remembered Hayes-Burr as “an extraordinary young man whose courage and kindness touched everyone who knew him.”
"He was only 15 years old and expected to start his second year of high school this August. That future was heartbreakingly cut short," they noted.
Meanwhile, the man accused of stabbing him during the air show continues to face charges of assault, public intoxication, disorderly conduct and evading police, after pleading not guilty at his April court appearance. Separately, authorities said a 14-year-old boy was charged with murder in the shooting death of Hayes-Burr last weekend.
