Antwon Rose, Jr.
Birth date:
July 12, 2000
Death date:
June 19, 2018
Age at Death:
17
About
Antwon Rose Jr. was born on July 12, 2000, to Michelle Kenney and Antwon Rose Sr. He was an honor student at Woodland Hills High School where he played basketball and the saxophone. The superintendent described Rose as an “excellent student” who took Advanced Placement classes. He coached children in after-school classes at the Pittsburgh Gymnastics Club, and at age 14 he began volunteering at the Free Store, which provides surplus and donated items to those in need.
Antwon was shot by an East Pittsburgh police officer who reported that Antwon and one other suspect were seen running out of a car that had been stopped by officers as they suspected it to be involved in an earlier drive by shooting. Antwon, who was unarmed, was seen running from the vehicle along with another passenger. Antwon was shot in the back, the elbow and face. The shooting sparked nightly protests around the city, and cell phone video of the incident captured national attention. The shooting has been ruled a homicide.
Was justice served?
Justice was not served as a settlement was tendered. In March 2019, the officer who shot Antwon was charged with criminal homicide but was acquitted by a jury in a trial that lasted four days. The jury deliberated just four hours before acquitting the defendant. Rosfeld testified in his own defense, stating that he believed one of the fleeing teenagers, he wasn’t certain which, pointed a gun at him and he fired his weapon in response.
In August 2018, Rose’s family filed a civil rights lawsuit against the officer and the borough of East Pittsburgh. The family alleged racial bias, lack of training, and use of excessive force. The suit was settled in October 2019 for $2 million.
Note: in September of 2020, the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team wore Antwon's name on the back of their helmets, as a way for his name to be remembered.