• Aurora police investigator Sgt. Jeff Longnecker asks the public for information about the car murder victims Omar Williams and Dejuan Mays were seen in Aug. 13 before an unknown person drove away with it some after the two men were fatally shot in an Aurora alley. Longnecker was joined during the press conference at police headquarters Sept. 27, 2023 with Williams’ family members. SENTINEL SCREEN GRAB FROM POLICE VIDEO
  • Parents of double-murder Omar Williams, murdered in a northwest Aurora alley Aug. 13, 2023, along with his friend Dejuan Mays, appeal to the public for details about the shootings. Parents Antonio and Femina Hawkins appeared with police at a Sept. 27 press conference with Aurora police. SENTINEL SCREEN GRAB FROM POLICE VIDEO

AURORA | Nearly a year after the murders of Omar Williams, 25, and Kejuan Mays, 27, Aurora Police are renewing pleas for the public to help solve the case.

The double homicide occurred on Aug. 19, 2023 in an alley near the 2200 block of Galena Street in northwest Aurora.

Aurora firefighters were called to the alley that morning after residents reported an unresponsive man.

Upon arrival, they discovered the first victim, later identified as Omar Williams, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

A subsequent search of the area led investigators to a second victim, Kejuan Mays, who was also found dead from gunshot wounds a short distance away.

Investigators since then have determined that Mays and Williams had spent the previous night with friends in Downtown Denver. There were no indications of any altercations or disputes during that part of the evening.

The two men drove from Downtown in Williams’ Dodge Journey, which later became a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation, police said.

Surveillance footage obtained by Aurora detectives shows the Dodge Journey leaving the alley where the murders took place. The car was later discovered abandoned Oct. 13 at an apartment complex near East Alameda Parkway and South Kittredge Street.

Despite the find, investigators have been unable to identify any suspects or determine the events leading up to the murders.

Investigations Chief Mark Hildebrand said police are frustrated by the lack of leads and asked for the public to reveal what happened.

“The Major Crime Homicide Unit has worked diligently on this case for the last year, but we’ve reached the point where we need the public’s help to advance the investigation,” Hildebrand said in a statement. “We know somebody out there has information about this case. At least one vehicle drove away from the scene, and that person has valuable information about what happened.”

The families of the victims, especially Mays’ parents, Alonso and Felishea Bradway, say they are desperately seeking closure.

Mays, a father of a young son who turns 3 next month, was the oldest of four siblings. His mother, Felishea, made an emotional appeal for anyone with information to come forward, according to police spokesperson Joe Moylan.

“He was a great father, and now my son will never know what it’s like to raise his child” Felshia said in a police statement. “His brothers and sister will forever miss the person they looked up to. We just want closure. Somebody has the answers we’re looking for. Somebody knows what happened to my son.”

Metro Denver Crime Stoppers has increased the reward for information leading to an arrest from $2,000 to $4,500. Police said anyone with information can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward, police said.