A Kemp Road community is reeling from the tragic killing of 37-year-old Archie ‘AJ’ Thompson, a father described by relatives as a peaceful man with no known enemies. The shooting occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning on Abraham Street, leaving family members devastated and searching for answers.
According to police reports, Thompson contacted authorities himself shortly after 3am to report he had been shot. Investigators revealed the victim had been asleep when he heard gunshots and subsequently realized he had sustained injuries. Despite being conscious enough to call for help, Thompson could provide no information about his assailant or assailants. Emergency medical personnel transported him to hospital where he later succumbed to his wounds.
The victim’s brother, Devon Thompson, expressed profound grief and confusion, stating: ‘AJ was a good person. I still don’t like the fact that happened, how it happened, when it happened.’ He emphasized his brother’s character as a hardworking landscaper who had recently started a new job and was focused on staying out of trouble.
Family members painted a picture of a man dedicated to his 11-year-old daughter, with cousin Peaches Thompson revealing he had recently expressed desires to become ‘a better father’ and ‘do better for his daughter.’ Relatives described Thompson’s life as quiet and routine, centered around family gatherings on the porch after work hours.
Multiple family members expressed disbelief that anyone would target Thompson, with cousin Levante Thompson noting the shooting ‘had to been something with a vengeance or personal vendetta,’ while simultaneously acknowledging he knew of no enemies in Thompson’s life. The family has appealed for anyone with information to come forward, expressing hope that justice will ultimately prevail.
Police investigators have not disclosed any potential motive for the shooting and continue to seek witnesses to the incident that has left a young daughter without her father and a close-knit family grappling with an inexplicable loss.