Boston, MA – A 24-year-old YouTuber and rapper who released a music video titled “Addicted to Killing” days after a shooting is now accused of paralyzing an innocent woman during a violent attack in Roxbury, according to authorities. The suspect, Shawn Walker, allegedly opened fire intending to shoot someone else but struck a 25-year-old woman instead, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down.
The Incident: Gunfire on a Busy Boston Street
The shooting occurred around 4 p.m. on October 8 near 258 Dudley Street in Roxbury. The victim, a 25-year-old woman, was walking with her boyfriend after a doctor’s appointment when they suddenly heard multiple gunshots near a liquor store and restaurant.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the pair ducked for cover, but as the woman attempted to stand, she collapsed, realizing she had been shot.
Responding officers found the woman lying on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound to the back. Authorities said the bullet struck near her spinal cord, causing immediate paralysis from the waist down.
“She collapsed and was unable to move,” the District Attorney’s report stated.
The gunfire damaged a nearby restaurant and vehicle. Investigators later recovered more than 20 discharged 9mm Luger shell casings from the scene. Surveillance footage showed shattered restaurant windows from the hail of bullets.
Investigation and Evidence: Shooter Identified Through Surveillance and Social Media
According to prosecutors, extensive surveillance footage captured moments before and after the shooting. A gray Hyundai sedan was seen pulling up to the intersection, with a man exiting the rear passenger door before running toward the area where the shots were fired.
The footage showed the shooter taking a firing stance, aiming toward an intended target who quickly ran inside the restaurant to take cover. Multiple rounds struck the restaurant’s front windows, which were filled with patrons and employees at the time.
“The shooter is seen getting back into the gray Hyundai before it speeds away,” authorities reported.
Investigators later identified Shawn Walker as the gunman and 23-year-old Devante Stinson as the driver. Both were charged with:
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury
- Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
- Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building
Walker was arrested on October 30, and Stinson was taken into custody on October 23, according to the Boston Police Department.
Court Proceedings and Criminal Background
Court documents reveal that Walker, who performs under the stage name “Th$ Lowskii,” had posted a music video called “Addicted to Killing” to YouTube just days after the shooting. Investigators used this and other social media activity to help track and confirm his identity.
Authorities said Walker has a criminal record including prior violent and drug-related offenses, which factored into the charges filed against him.
Prosecutors described the attack as an “utter disregard for human life,” emphasizing that the woman who was shot was not the intended target. The intended victim escaped unharmed after running inside the restaurant.
Statements and Community Reaction
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office condemned the reckless nature of the shooting, noting that it endangered dozens of people in a public setting.
“Multiple projectiles hit the front of a restaurant filled with patrons and employees,” the DA’s office stated. “This was a senseless act of violence that has forever changed an innocent woman’s life.”
Community members have expressed outrage at the shooting and at the disturbing lyrics and imagery featured in Walker’s rap video. Many have questioned how individuals with prior convictions can still gain access to firearms.
Victims’ advocates say the case underscores the ongoing crisis of gun violence in urban neighborhoods and the influence of social media in glorifying violence.
Background Context: Social Media and Violent Crime Trends
Law enforcement officials increasingly monitor social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for signs of gang activity and violent behavior. In this case, Walker’s video, which glorified gun use and killing, became a key piece of evidence connecting him to the Roxbury shooting.
Experts say that digital self-promotion by offenders has become an emerging trend, where individuals broadcast their violent acts or fantasies for clout, often leading investigators directly to them.
Ongoing Developments and What’s Next
Walker and Stinson both remain in custody pending their next court appearance. Prosecutors are seeking enhanced penalties due to the severity of the victim’s injuries and the reckless endangerment of bystanders.
The victim, whose name has not been released, is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Authorities confirmed that she remains paralyzed from the waist down and is expected to face long-term medical challenges.
Boston police continue to collect digital evidence and are reviewing the possibility of additional weapons-related charges.
Conclusion
What began as a targeted shooting turned into a tragedy that left an innocent woman paralyzed for life. As prosecutors move forward, they emphasize that the case represents a stark reminder of how reckless gun violence and social media glorification can destroy lives in seconds.
What are your thoughts on this case and the growing link between social media and violent crime? Share your opinions in the comments below.
