WASHINGTON, D. C. – Attorney General Karl A. Racine issued the following statement today in response to the tragic death of 16-year-old Zaire Kelly, who was a recipient of the Attorney General’s Right Direction Award in August 2017. Zaire was shot to death the evening of Sept. 20, as he defended himself from an attempted robbery near his home in the Brentwood neighborhood. Zaire reportedly was returning from a class to prepare him for the college application process.

“Zaire Kelly was an outstanding young man who was effecting positive change in our city, and his tragic and senseless death cut short a future that held great promise. Zaire was chosen this year to receive our office’s Right Direction Award because he was an exceptional role model for his peers, demonstrating excellence and leadership in academic and athletic pursuits as well as a desire to give back to the District by serving as a Ward 5 representative to the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute. My deepest condolences to Zaire’s family and friends during this difficult time.”