WASHINGTON — Blake Bozeman was not only a "fearless entrepreneur and successful man," but a noble man who loved his family, says family friend Victoria Read. The father of three was killed during a shooting late Saturday night, which took place at a nightclub on H Street in Northeast D.C.
Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department say three others were injured during the shooting, which happened just minutes before midnight on Saturday. The shooting reportedly happened inside the CRU Lounge, located in the 1300 block of H Street NE. Police say the other victims include two men and one woman, all of whom were shot. The other three victims had non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.
Bozeman lived in Southeast, D.C., but was raised in Bowie. He was a starting student-athlete on the Morgan State University basketball team, where he played under his father, who was a coach for more than a decade.
According to a statement from the university, Blake finished his playing career ranked number two on the school's all-time minutes leaderboard, number four in games played, and number three in three-pointers made. He left the university, averaging 7.4 points per game, 2.2 rebounds, and two assists.
"Bozeman was productive both on the court, in the classroom and took pride in helping out in the community as well," says a university spokesperson.
According to the university, Blake was selected to the 2015 Allstate NABC Good Works Team for his "significant contributions to the greater good of their communities through volunteerism and civic service." The university says he volunteered for Special Olympics events and organized events for the mentally disabled. He graduated with a B.S. in marketing and an M.A. in Journalism from MSU.
"The Morgan family extends our deepest condolences and prayers to the Bozeman family and friends," says the spokesperson. "Our family was an extension of his and he was a shining example of what it means to be a student-athlete."
Before he made it to Morgan State University, Blake was a regular in the D.C. basketball scene. Lenjo Kilo was his teammate on an AAU team when they were in high school.
"He was one of those people you look up to," he said. "Because they were doing things the right way."
According to Read, Bozeman was a family man, who had three children, ages nine, three, and one. Bozeman had just gotten married in May, Read said.
Police are searching for the suspect they say was last seen traveling westbound on H Street in Northeast. Officials have not provided any additional information about this case.
"That could have been anyone," Kilo said. "He wasn't in a spot he wasn't supposed to be in. He wasn't doing anything he wasn't supposed to be doing. This could have been anyone of us that went out to have a good time. And then to lose your life like that - it's unfathomable."
MPD is asking anyone with information, photos or videos of this shooting to contact them at 202-727-9099. Those who wish to remain anonymous can text 50411.
Veronica Youngblood was found guilty of murdering her 15-year-old daughter, Sharon Castro, and 5-year-old daughter, Brooklynn Youngblood in 2018.