Five years ago, a rising Boston hip-hop star who was making a name for himself, was shot to death in Boston's theater district.
The murder took place in front of hundreds of people. But Boston Police tell Boston 25 News Reporter Bob Ward, a wall of silence is hurting the investigation.
On March 1, 2011, Jamie Lee, known as rapper “Roc Dukati”, helped Cambridge rapper Millyz with a mix tape pre-release party at Underbar. Violence broke out after closing at 2 a.m. Jamie Lee was fatally wounded.
His murder sent a shockwave through Boston's hip hop community and devastated his family.
“I think every parent's worst nightmare came to our doorsteps,” said Lee’s father, Allen
“Jamie was that kid anybody would love,” added his mother, Tina.
Jamie Lee was 29 years old. To those who knew him, the real Jamie Lee was a world away from the life of Roc Dukati. He was a family man and was devoted to his son, Jamie Jr.
“He was so proud of that child. He told me all the time, ‘Ma, that kid is going to be something one day,’” said Tina Lee.
HUNDREDS SAW. NO ONE TALKED.
Boston Police Homicide Detective Frank McLaughlin took Bob Ward to the spot where Jamie Lee was killed. Surveillance cameras revealed hundreds of people were on Tremont Street after the party.
“From what we understand, there's loud words going back and forth. There's a lot of yelling and screaming. And the shots were fired,” said Det. McLaughlin.
Yet no witnesses came forward.
Boston Sgt. Detective John Brown was on scene that night and he is frustrated this case remains unsolved.
“For whatever reasons, we just can’t get the information. Whether its directly to us, or through our Crime Stopper tips. We have got nothing. And we need the information to hold someone accountable for what they did,” said Sgt. Det. Brown.
A LOVING FATHER AND SON
At the home where Jamie Lee's parents live, there is a “Roc” room. In that special place, Jamie is never far away.
His son is now 14 and tearfully, remembers his father.
“He's my friend. Dad. I don’t know. I just miss him a lot,” said Jamie Jr.
He's desperate for someone to step up.
“If I was the one that did this to someone, or someone else's family, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. Especially if they had a son,” said Jamie Junior.
“We hear so many different stories, and for us its devastating because we don’t know the truth,” said Allen Lee.
Boston Police say the only way there is going to be justice for Jamie Lee, is if someone starts talking.
“At this stage of the game, we'll take anything we can get. Anything that we can make another step forward, even just one small step would be helpful,” said Sgt. Det. Brown.
If you know what happened to Jamie Lee, AKA Roc Dukati, call or text Boston Police Crime Stoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS.
You can help with the case, and remain anonymous.
BOSTON — PREVIOUS: New England's Unsolved: The death of a rising star
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/7QOJU3BNCJERBNKJC5LWTBYFLU.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/FVMASV3SYVHEXG2DLFD4HG3BFA.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/WWUI6Q6IGNGJ5ITE3S2K3BMFUM.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/QU4KOQHINZCXVB5JZTESFGAVTM.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/SFB75YYVABF7HFQ72BUSCSZLVU.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/NR5VRSQEIBFDDDWPLMCAYVGXCY.jpeg)