The above image, Tyree Shaw, was created by artist Juliette Watts as part of the 2021-2022 Souls Shot Portrait Project exhibition.
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Born eight years apart, Latasha Shaw and her little brother Tyree had a close relationship. When they were growing up in Germantown, she took him with her wherever she went, including to the market that their grandparents owned at Pulaski Avenue and Queen Lane, where they’d hang out as kids.
As they got older, Tyree became his sister’s protector and would do anything for her.
The same also applied to his mother, Frances Shaw. Tyree lived with his mother and took care of her while looking for employment.
But on Jan. 16, 2003, the family was shattered when Tyree was shot and killed on the side of the Germantown Boys and Girls Club on Priscilla Street near Coulter Street. He was walking with friends to a Chinese takeout when a gunman came out of the shadows and shot Tyree. He was 20 years old.
In the 16 years since Tyree’s murder, his father Obia Adams has died, his son became a father himself, and no arrests have been made.
“Tyree was a loving, kind person,” Latasha said. “He would do anything for anybody. He had a kind heart.”
Tyree was born June 4, 1982 in Philadelphia. He was educated at Philadelphia public schools and attended William Penn High School.
When Tyree was 18, his life changed forever when his son was born. His family saw the positive change that came as a result of becoming a father.
“He was more responsible,” Latasha said. “It changed him. He wanted to become better. He wanted to leave everything alone as far as the street world and hanging out, and he just wanted to be a good father.”
Tyree had taken his son to the Mummer’s Parade on New Year’s Day 2003, just two weeks before he was killed.
Tyree’s son is now 19 and is a father himself—his son was born right around the time he graduated from high school, which means Tyree would be a grandfather. His son is struggling with anger stemming from Tyree’s homicide, Latasha said.
Looking at her nephew is just like looking at Tyree—their physical resemblance is very strong, and they share similar character traits, too.
“He looks exactly like my brother—he’s tall like him, same complexion, his features are exactly like him,” Latasha said. “They have the same personality, the same humor, especially the same humor. He’s so silly.”
Latasha said the police kept in touch with the family for about a year, but they haven’t heard anything about the investigation since then.
“There are still a lot of questions that we have,” she said.
Despite all of the time that has passed, Tyree’s family still has hope someone will step forward with information that will solve his murder.
The City of Philadelphia is offering up to $20,000 as a reward for anyone that comes forward with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Tyree’s murder. Anonymous calls can be submitted by calling the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS.
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