The Bradenton community was shattered by a senseless act of violence. On Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:28 p.m., the sound of gunfire pierced the stillness in the 400 block of 11th Avenue East. When Bradenton Police arrived at the scene, they found 15-year-old Kayvon Dunbar lying outside a residence, his young life hanging in the balance, marred by a gunshot wound. Officers sprang into action, administering first aid with urgency, but despite their efforts and the swift transport to a local hospital, Kayvon was pronounced dead in the early hours of Tuesday morning. A vibrant young soul was lost, leaving a community grappling with grief and questions that demand answers.
The Bradenton Police Department, alongside the Manatee Homicide Investigative Unit, worked tirelessly through the night, combing the scene for evidence and piecing together the events that led to this tragedy. Detectives meticulously processed the area, collecting fragments of clues while interviewing witnesses, hoping to uncover the truth behind Kayvon’s death. The investigation remains active, with authorities determined to bring clarity and justice to a case that has shaken the heart of this close-knit Florida town.
Kayvon Dunbar, just 15 years old, was more than a name in a news report. To his family, friends, and neighbors, he was a son, a friend, a dreamer—a teenager with a future stolen far too soon. His loss has cast a somber shadow over Bradenton, where residents are mourning not only the death of a young life but the rising tide of violence that seems to creep ever closer. The community stands united in sorrow, holding tight to memories of Kayvon and the promise he carried.
Police are now turning to the public for help, urging anyone with information to come forward. They’ve provided clear avenues for tips, encouraging people to contact Detective Brian Sands directly at [email protected] or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com or by calling 866-634-8477. Every detail, no matter how small, could be the key to unlocking the truth and delivering justice for Kayvon.
As the investigation presses on, Bradenton holds its breath, hoping for answers that might bring solace to a grieving family and a wounded community. The loss of Kayvon Dunbar is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to stand together against violence. For now, the city mourns, but it also resolves to seek justice, to honor a young life cut short, and to ensure that Kayvon’s name is remembered not just for this tragedy, but for the light he brought to those around him.