Winston‑Salem, N.C. — On Thursday, February 9, 2006, 13‑year‑old Isaiah DeJohn Brooks set out from his home in the LaDeara Crest community of Winston‑Salem on a short errand—to purchase candy at a nearby store. He never returned. Hours later, his body was discovered in the driveway of a house on Machine Street, just blocks from his home. Isaiah had been shot in the head—his death ruled a homicide.
The news shook the neighborhood. Isaiah was a sixth grader at East Forsyth Middle School, remembered as kind, joyful, and full of youthful promise by those who knew him . As public schooling resumed after the tragedy, community members and local media described a collective sense of loss and shock.
A Family’s Grief and Determination
Isaiah’s mother, Barbara Stephenson, and sister, Tawanda Fulwood, transformed their grief into advocacy. Through neighborhood canvassing, community vigils, and awareness campaigns, they’ve tirelessly pushed for justice. Tawanda authored a children’s book honoring Isaiah’s memory and helped raise the Crime Stoppers tip reward from $2,000 to $7,000—efforts aimed at jolting the case forward.
Investigators confirm they believe someone in the community may hold critical information—information that could be key in solving this case.
Investigative Efforts: Leads That Went Cold
Despite efforts from family and law enforcement, the trails have run cold. No viable leads, witnesses, or suspects ever surfaced. In 2014, thanks to the Piedmont Triad Cold Case Initiative, Isaiah’s case was among those selected for forensic reanalysis using modern DNA and fingerprint technologies. Yet no breakthroughs emerged.
As the neighborhood transformed, with residents moving away and old homes replaced, many early witnesses have faded from memory. Street names have changed, boundaries have shifted—yet the case remains officially open, unresolved, agonizingly silent.
Broader Context: A Community’s Wounds
Isaiah’s case was among the roughly 11 unsolved homicides in Winston‑Salem since January 2002 highlighted by 2013’s Winston‑Salem Chronicle coverage—many involving young Black males. These unresolved cases have fueled calls for more transparency, greater investigative resources, and stronger connections between police and communities.
Police have created a Cold Case Homicide Unit to review cases older than three years. Periodic appeals have been made via social media and the city’s website, but none have yielded arrests in this case.
Why This Case Still Matters
⚠️ Why speak up now? Investigators believe someone still holds information—perhaps dismissed as trivial at the time—that could break open the case.
⌛ Why the delay? As neighborhoods change, memories fade and community ties loosen. Time erodes evidence, but also invites new perspectives and renewed attention.
👁️ Why coverage matters: Continued public awareness keeps pressure on investigative leads and encourages potential witnesses to come forward.
Contact and Appeal
If you have any information related to the murder of Isaiah DeJohn Brooks, please contact:
- Winston‑Salem Police Department Cold Case Homicide Unit
- Crime Stoppers tip line, where rewards up to $7,000 remain available
Isaiah was more than a statistic—he was a boy with dreams, family, and friends who loved him. As the years pass, the call for justice grows louder. Whoever holds the key may still decide to unlock it—and finally bring peace to a grieving family.