centralstateuniversity

Central State University student Joshua Knowles was already building the life he had dreamed about as a music student, a marching band member, a fraternity brother, son, brother and a friend.

To the people who knew him best, he was a young man whose energy, determination and love for people around him left an impression.

Since his death, those who loved him are trying to make sense of a future without him.

Joshua, a Bahamian student at Central State in Ohio, died after suffering a medical emergency while on campus.

He was expected to graduate in Spring 2027.

Joshua graduated from Government High School and received the Public School Scholars Programme award in 2022, helping him continue his education at Central State University.

He pursued music and became part of the university’s Invincible Marching Marauders, where his talent and commitment made him part of a community that considered itself a family.

He was also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Central State remembered Joshua as a valuable member of its marching band family.

“Our band is a family and we will lean on each other and honor his memory as we navigate this loss together,” said Eric Walker, IMM Consultant.

The Ministry of Education described Joshua as a young scholar who was continuing his educational journey.

Friend, Amiel Johnson, said in a post that their friendship began in the fourth grade.

They grew up together, marched together and collected years of memories, the kind of friendship where, Johnson said, one phone call was enough to bring them together no matter how busy life became.

“It was deeper than just friendship, you were my brother,” Johnson wrote.

He remembered Joshua’s drive, talent, dedication to his craft and love for his family.

“Heaven gained one of the best musicians and swimmers ever,” Johnson wrote.

For Joshua’s brother Xavier, president of the Torchbearers Youth Association, said the loss comes after an already devastating year.

He said that within five months, he lost both of his grandmothers and now his brother.

“I can’t get pass this,” he wrote.

But amid the grief, Xavier said, “I’m thankful for the 22 years God placed you in my life,” he wrote. “I was proud of your journey.

“I will shout your name from every mountain top.”

Born Again Deliverance Ministries also mourned Joshua, with Pastor Kelson Miller describing him as a talented young man with a bright future who was already working toward building a better life through education.

Joshua was 22.

The president of Central State University issued a letter, mourning the death of his university’s recent graduate Omar Davis, who was found dead in a trunk of a vehicle, stuffed in a garbage bag on Tuesday afternoon.

President Jack Thomas said Omar was a well-loved student on the Ohio campus. “Last evening, representatives of the University were informed of the passing of honors graduate Omar Davis Jr who was a cherished member of the honors community, beloved Marauderand recent Centralian,” he said.

Thomas said Omar received the Top Scholar Award for the Junior Class for the 2020-2021 academic year and was known for his “wonderful spirit, incredible energy, and boundless potential.”

In 2018, Omar received a scholarship from the  Ministry of Education Public School Scholars Programme,  to attend CSU and graduated in May of this year, with a double major in Accounts and Finance.

He became a testament of triumph since overcoming the death of his father, who was shot to death as he looked on.

Thomas said Omar will always be a part of the university.

Authorities said  Omar received injuries to the head, face, and chest area and appeared to have been wounded by a sharp object. They have detained five men for questioning ranging in ages 20-56 years.

Twenty-one-year-old Omar Davis Jr is the country’s latest murder victim who was found dead in the trunk of a Honda Fit vehicle, stuffed in a garbage bag.

Police said he was discovered at the rear of the Centerville Food store and sustained wounds to the head, face and upper body. It is believed he was likely dead for 24 hours since his body was in the early stages of decomposition.

Who was Omar Davis Jr?

Omar graduated this year from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, after receiving a scholarship from the Ministry of Education Public School Scholars Programme, where he graduated with a double major in Accounts and Finance.

Omar celebrated a grade point average of 4.0 after graduation when he returned to the Bahamas.

A video of his personal story of triumph went viral in 2018 when he thanked MOE officials for the scholarship. He highlighted the tragedy of losing his father to murder and his push for improvement despite his upbringing.

His father was murdered and shot nine times at their home as he watched on, in 2013. Months later his cousin was also killed, just streets away from where he lived in the Kemp Road area. Despite the challenges, he graduated valedictorian of CI Gibson Senior High School in 2017.

What are people saying?

Many people took to social media to express shock at his death.

Devita Bethel said he was well loved. “The funniest, smartest, intelligent, smooth dressing and handsome kid on the block. I’m lost for words,” she said.

Tre Kaleista said, “He sacrificed. He persevered. He was educated. He followed the right path. Yet he is now a statistic.”

Another social media user Destiny Francis said, “You left without a warning. Growing up was always a ball, doing things we shouldn’t. I’m going to miss you so much.”

What was next for Omar Davis Jr?

Upon his return to the Bahamas after graduation in May, Omar interned at an accounting firm. He was expected to travel to Atlanta on Saturday to begin intern at Deloitte.

Now police are investigating who killed him and why. Police have not revealed whether or not he sustained gunshot or stab wounds, but they revealed they are following significant leads.