Vincentian youth shot to death in Massachusetts

by Viclene Matthews 07.NOV.08

Another young Vincentian life has been ended by the bullet of a gun. {{more}}

Tonito Komowale Spencer, popularly known as “Young Sheggi”, had his life cut short when he was shot and killed in Boston, Massachusetts, on Thursday, October 30.

He succumbed to his injuries at a Boston hospital.

Sheggi was described by many as a humble, generous and artistic young man. Formerly from the quiet village of New Grounds, he migrated to the United States three years ago.

When Searchlight spoke with his aunt Yvette Spencer-Mc Dowall, she said the family is “devastated” by his death. She said that she is coping, but is more concerned about his mother and the other family members. “He was her first son and they were very close, I have to be strong for the others,” she disclosed.

She described the 26-year-old as a “positive young person who had very positive plans”.

Sheggi, who was an artiste with Hysyanz recordings was described by Producer Zowi ‘the great Zee” Stapleton as “one of the most talented artistes in St Vincent”. He revealed that now that he is gone, “people will never hear fully what he had to offer”. Stapleton told Searchlight that “Burn them”, “Looking into your eye” and the popular collaboration with Skinny Fabulous “Old People” are just a few of the songs he produced for the slain artiste.

Meanwhile, Alex Barnwell, Producer at Kwbyiyashi – Non Fiction studios disclosed that he is in a state of “disbelief” of the artiste’s death. He said he is also “disappointed” because they had plans to do some music in the near future. He said Sheggi was “extremely intelligent and music and art was his thing”. Barnwell reflected that he was inspirational in helping young people and “made them feel like they can achieve something”.

Sheggi, who was the son of Ralford Morris and Elsa Spencer Beaumot, resided in the United States and Canada. He would have celebrated his 27th birthday on Sunday, November 16. Many are left wondering why someone would take the life of such a promising individual.