Shots Fired at a Birthday Party in Upstate New York, One Teen Dies

Horror at a Birthday Party

Two teenagers attending a birthday party on Saturday night in Schenectady got caught up in gunfire. One of the kids struck was a thirteen-year-old girl who was expected to survive; sadly, a fifteen-year-old boy died at the hospital.

What Happened?

According to the Schenectady Police, gunshots rang out in front of a home where many people were attending a party at 1122 Congress Street in Schenectady.

According to the Schenectady Police, the incident happened at approximately 11:20 pm on Congress Street in Schenectady.  That's when they say a call came in about multiple shots fired.  When officers arrived, they said they saw a large crowd running from the area, and that's when they found the 15-year-old boy in the backyard of 1122 Congress Street.

Schenectady Police have identified the 15-year-old homicide victim from 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. She is in stable condition.

Currently, the police do not have anyone in custody, but detectives and investigators from the NYSP are asking the public for assistance in this investigation. Those with information are asked to call the tips line at 518-788-6566.

Boy Who Died Lost His Sister to Gun Violence in 2016

As if the tragic news couldn't get any worse, the Times Union is reporting that in 2016, Dubar's sister Medina was shot in the head and killed by a man she was in a relationship with.

The TU states that Medina was shot and killed by Raekwon Stover after the couple had gotten into an argument. A Schenectady County jury convicted Stover of second-degree murder as well as weapons and evidence tampering charges. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in August 2017.

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 on Saturday night, writing:

It is with a heavy heart that we share in mourning one of our own 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 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 all 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's Facebook page. As a young woman, she composed her thoughts about the tragedy that took place quite intelligently:

As a student who was (going to) go but didn’t, the entire party was planned out, and it was supposed to be safe. I was invited by the birthday girl herself, and they had guards (who were) patting people down at the door. The flyer said (to) leave the drama at home, and it’s sad that people don’t listen...A 15-year-old boy died. He’s never (going to) be able to live the full life he deserved.  He’ll never get married or own a car or a home. He’ll never get to see the joy of the world.