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Steven Antonio Strain Jr.

Age 18

Duncanville, Texas

His big sisters lost their bodyguard

His first question to any invitation was always whether or not his sisters were going, because if they weren’t going, then he was not going, either.

He played both football and basketball, but his true passion was dancing. He was a born leader and always the life of the party, according to his older sister. A softer side of him sometimes shone through his joking character. His tight-knit group of family and friends called him “man-man.”

On July 17, 2018, Steven Antonio Strain Jr., 18, was shot and killed in Duncanville, Texas. He left behind seven siblings: six sisters and one brother.

By Ellie Klibaner-Schiff · Age 15
Meet the Reporters

More than 40 dancers

Yaleah Hall

Sister, daughter, dancer, since day one

Alisia JaNell Williams

She made her dolls happy, too

Orlando Myron Anderson Jr.

He was so full of life

Cara Marie Loughran

Dancing in our hearts for eternity

Xzariah Denecca Rice

Her father died in her arms

Taylor Hayes

A star on her karaoke machine

Arthur Roger Holloway III

His obituary ran in two states

Doumba Sannoh

Fatal price for the American dream

Eugene Ryder Stamey

Innocent game turned to foul play

Des'mon Reyshard Anderson

His baby lost her loving dad

Tylon DaJaun Batey

So much family left to grieve

Christopher Williams

Web design intern, brother of six

Justise Armoni Ledena Allen

She did not even look hurt

Eliza Kristine Orellana

She was a singer, dancer and friend

Alexa Denice Montez

Her father’s “greatest gift,” he said

Jaime Taylor Guttenberg

Independent, fearless, bright; a graceful dancer

Darius Marcel Boone

An infectious laugh silenced by violence

Michael D. Bardlett

To know Michael. To love Michael.

Kelvin Ramone Creech

Engaged. Ready for fatherhood. Taken away.

Trinity Renee-Jordan Wiggins

Her uncle’s house, pockmarked with bullets