Lexington, KY, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Federal investigators indicate that gang violence, specifically involving the Hot Boyz gang, is linked to six homicides and one shooting in Lexington. Quincino Waide Jr., an alleged gang member, is facing charges related to his firearm possession and has ties to two of the homicides. Officials express concerns over rising gang activity and its impact on community safety, while community members are encouraged to report any related information to law enforcement.
Lexington, KY – Federal investigators have linked six homicides and one shooting in Lexington to gang activity, specifically pointing to the Hot Boyz gang, as part of an ongoing pattern of violence that has escalated since March 2020. This revelation came to light through court documents filed recently detailing the criminal activities associated with gang members.
Among the alleged members of the Hot Boyz gang is Quincino Waide Jr., who faces an indictment for possessing a firearm as a convicted domestic abuser. The court documents reference his connections to two unsolved homicides in the area: the shootings of Zion Clark and Kristopher Lewis.
Zion Clark, a victim of a triple shooting on March 29, 2020, was killed in Lexington, and Waide was also injured in that incident. However, he was uncooperative with law enforcement investigating the shooting. In a more recent case, Kristopher Lewis was murdered on September 29, 2023. Lewis had previously acted as an informant against Rollie Lamar regarding marijuana distribution and money laundering. Investigators suspect that his murder was a planned hit ordered by the Hot Boyz gang to eliminate him as a potential witness.
Documents highlight that Waide had been vocal about making threats against those he believed to be responsible for his injury in the 2020 shooting. This connection to violence is not isolated, as the Hot Boyz are implicated in several other murders, including those of Ja’Quis Ray and Eric Boone, further illustrating the rising tide of gang-related crime in Lexington.
Law enforcement officials have observed a marked increase in gang activity over the years, with retired police officer Don Evans noting a historical absence of gangs in the area. He expresses concern over the current recruitment of young individuals into these gangs, emphasizing the changing landscape of safety within the community.
Despite these alarming developments, the Lexington Police Department maintains that the city remains relatively safe. Police officials have acknowledged the existence of gang violence but attempt to reassure residents that ongoing efforts are in place to address this issue.
Authorities are urging residents who may have information about gang-related violence or the specific homicides in question to come forward. Individuals with tips can contact the Lexington Police Department or submit anonymous information to assist in ongoing investigations.
Background Context
The timeline of gang activity in Lexington appears to coincide with the emergence of the Hot Boyz gang, which has been implicated in a series of violent incidents since March 2020. Before this surge in crime, gang violence was largely absent, reflecting a troubling shift in local dynamics. Community leaders and law enforcement are now focused on curbing this trend and enhancing safety measures to protect residents.
FAQs
What is the Hot Boyz gang?
The Hot Boyz gang is a criminal organization believed to be responsible for several violent crimes in Lexington, KY.
How many homicides are linked to gang activity in Lexington?
Federal investigators have linked six homicides and one shooting to gang activity in Lexington.
Who is Quincino Waide Jr.?
Quincino Waide Jr. is an alleged member of the Hot Boyz gang and is facing indictment for possessing a firearm as a convicted domestic abuser. He is connected to two of the referenced homicides.
What should residents do if they have information about gang-related violence?
Residents are encouraged to contact the Lexington Police Department or submit anonymous tips regarding ongoing investigations.
Is Lexington safe despite the gang activity?
Lexington Police Department officials assert that while they are aware of gang violence, the city remains relatively safe.
Key Features of the Post
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gang Activity | Linked to six homicides and a shooting. |
| Suspect | Quincino Waide Jr., an alleged member of the Hot Boyz gang. |
| Notable Homicides | Zion Clark and Kristopher Lewis among the victims. |
| Law Enforcement Response | Continued monitoring and community reassurance. |
| Community Involvement | Encouragement for residents to report information. |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 56 News
- Wikipedia: Gang
- Kentucky.com
- Google Search: Gang Activity in Lexington
- LEX18 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gang
- WKYT News
- Google News: Gang Violence in Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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