Forlorn fam’s plea
Help solve murder of our big-hearted patriarch
Before a bullet took his life, Brooklynite Alfred Bent would help anyone in need. Now his heartbroken family wants help finding his killer.
“I’m not doing well. I can’t sleep at night,” Bent’s 24-year-old daughter, Yavasia Bent, told the Daily News. “This was a senseless act of violence. I hope that someone can give my family closure and help us get some justice.”
Bent, 53, had dropped off friends on Decatur St. near Malcolm X Blvd. and then stopped by a neighbor’s outdoor party before he was shot about 11:30 p.m. on May 28.
No one knew Bent had been hurt until he was found slumped between two parked cars, shot in the head. Medics rushed him to Kings County Hospital, where he died.
There were dozens of people on the block celebrating, but the music was so loud few heard the shot. Those who did hear something thought the noise was fireworks.
More than a week later, no arrests have been made, frustrating his family.
Police have not given them an inkling as to why the beloved patriarch may have been targeted, his daughter said.
Yavasia created the hashtag JusticeforJunie — Bent’s nickname — to drum up buzz about the search for his killer. She also set up a GoFundMe page to solicit donations to cover his funeral. Family from Chicago, California and Belize are expected to come to the service, which should be held by the end of the month.
Bent, who used to live on Decatur St., left behind his daughter, an 8-year-old son, longtime partner Courtnee Pierson and eight siblings.
“He was the most awesome person to walk the planet,” Pierson, 39, told The News.
“No matter what you’re going through, what you need, he was there for you. He was my knight in shining armor.”
His daughter agrees.
“My father would give you the shirt off his back,” Yavasia said. “He constantly lent a helping hand. He just enjoyed being there for others in any way he knew how.”
“We’re letting the police do their job, but if someone saw something they should say something,” she added. “We can’t live like this. We need help in this. If not for me, then for his family and his 8-year-old son.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.