A Maryland family is desperately searching for answers after their son was shot and killed in the Shaw neighborhood last year. The case has still never been solved.

The family says police told them their son was likely defending a friend from robbers.

Vaughn Dozier Jr., 21, from Upper Marlboro was a passionate DJ and a talented roller skater. His dad fondly recalled how his friends called him the GOAT of making music.

In June of 2024, he had gone to hang out with a friend in D.C.

“He was like, ‘Dad, I’m going to the skating rink.’ And I said, ‘Alright, Vaughn, I love you.’ That’s my thing. ‘I love you too.’ And that’s the last time I talked to my son,” Vaughn Dozier Sr. said.

Later that night, the family would receive a call from Vaughn Dozier Jr.’s friend, saying he’d been shot in the Shaw neighborhood.

His father rushed to the scene.

“Yellow tape, not looking good. I’m just hoping, alright, I see the ambulance, hope they’re working on him, hope there’s a chance,” his father said.

Vaughn Dozier Jr. would later be pronounced dead.

His father says police told them he was likely defending his friend from three robbers when one of the robbers shot him in the chest.

D.C. police told News4 the investigation is still ongoing, but they wouldn’t share any updates on the case.

Last year, several neighbors told News4 they were tired of crime in the area.

“I’m really concerned about safety because it’s not secure,” said neighbor Ana Romualdo. “It’s very often we see that there is assault.”

“Just really sad,” said another neighbor who didn’t want to give their name. “Sometimes it seems just too reckless and too dangerous.”

Vaughn Dozier Jr.’s father said he won’t rest until the killer is caught.

“I need to see their face. I need to look them in the eyes. So does my wife and my family,” Vaughn Dozier Sr. said. “There’s no justice if the person’s not here. We want to bring that person to justice.”