Love, Lust & Tragedy

   Shawn Edward Mills was born on August 25th, 1994, the fourth youngest of five brothers. He grew up in a two-parent household with a father who worked as a high school custodian and a mother who was a home health aide. Despite not being wealthy, they always had food and clothing. It was difficult to keep them on the right track in Bridge-Port Union County, better known as "The Bridges".

   Bridge-Port is a dangerous neighborhood in Union County known for its rivalry with Courtney Projects. Shawn got involved in street life at the age of 13 when he joined the gang BSW, Bridge State Warriors. BSW was suspected of committing most of the murders in the city. Shawn, a handsome boy, was often complimented on his looks and some kids in the neighborhood saw him as weak because of it. Shawn grew up tough because of his older brothers, so he was far from weak.

   Shawn adored his mother. He promised to buy her a house when he got older because he didn't like seeing her work so much as a home health aide and at a clothing store. He had a strained relationship with his strict father. Despite his father's strict demeanor, he greatly respected him.

   At 15, Shawn was attacked by a rival gang and Eddie Martin saved him by shooting his gun in the air. Shawn was left injured, holding his rib and spitting out blood. From then on, Eddie mentored Shawn and admired his fearless attitude. Eddie started helping him out by buying him clothes and putting money in his pockets.

   Eddie believed that it was destiny that united him and Shawn, as they shared the same name - Shawn's middle name being Eddie's first name. Eddie wasted no time in introducing Shawn to the world of drugs, teaching him personally about the rules of the game and how to navigate the dangers of the streets. Shawn quickly became skilled in the ways of being a drug dealer, and he was able to earn a significant amount of money for himself and Eddie. At the age of only 16, Shawn became an official member of Eddie's drug operation.

   Shawn, known for his ball skills, was frequently seen playing basketball in the park without belonging to any specific team, often challenging others in the area. During one of his games, he noticed a newcomer, Coco James, a lovely girl who had recently moved in with her aunt following her father's tragic death in a car accident. They fell in love instantly. After Shawn met Coco, they were inseparable. They shared their first kiss, and lost their virginity to each other.

   Coco's aunt was against Coco dating Shawn because of his negative reputation, but Coco was undeterred and only became more drawn to him. Her aunt's boyfriend, Rodney Scottfield, also strongly condemned their relationship, though his reasons were more sinister. Rodney secretly found Coco very attractive and would often sneak glances at her in a lustful manner whenever he was around. There were times when he would discreetly spy on her while she slept, pleasuring himself. Keep in mind, Rodney is 43 years old and Coco is only 15.

   Rodney didn't consider Coco's age; he only focused on how mature she was for a 15-year-old. One evening when Coco's aunt was out with her friends, Rodney knocked on Coco's door and asked to come in. Without suspicion, Coco welcomed him inside. Rodney noticed a new phone on Coco's bed and asked if Shawn had bought it for her. When she confirmed this, Rodney became furious and started yelling at her, insisting that he should be the one providing her with such items, not Shawn.

   Coco's evening took a strange turn when Rodney began asking her about her virginity, prompting her to ask him to leave. Rodney refused and attempted to kiss her, leading to a physical altercation between them. Despite her efforts, Rodney, being larger and stronger, was able to overpower Coco and rape her. He threatened to harm both her and her aunt if she were to speak out about the assault.

   Shawn observed a shift in Coco's behavior that was escalating gradually. He began questioning her persistently until she eventually confessed. Coco felt guilty for causing Shawn pain by withholding the truth. When she opened up about her past encounter with Rodney, Shawn became so upset that he broke down in tears. Shawn promised Coco that she will never be hurt by anyone ever again.