The Norristown community is grieving the tragic loss of 19-year-old Hamid Boyd, who was shot and killed on Sunday evening in a violent incident that has left family, friends, and neighbors devastated. District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Police Chief Michael Trail confirmed that the shooting occurred around 6:15 p.m. on November 30 in the 1000 block of Powell Street. The sudden loss of such a young man with a bright future has shaken the community to its core.
Police responded after ShotSpotter detected several gunshots near the intersection of Powell and Spruce Streets. When officers arrived, they found Boyd suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately performed CPR in an urgent effort to save his life. He was quickly transported to Jefferson Montgomery Einstein Hospital, but despite the efforts of first responders and medical teams, Boyd was pronounced dead a short time later. Investigators say the shooting appears targeted, but the motive remains under investigation.
Hamid Boyd was more than a victim of violence—he was a talented athlete, a devoted son, and a young man full of hope and ambition. His family shared that he had received several Division I basketball scholarship offers, a testament to his skill and dedication on the court. Instead of pursuing college athletics, Boyd made the selfless decision to enlist in the U.S. Army. His family says he was preparing for deployment and had big dreams for his future, especially for his child and his mother.
Loved ones describe Boyd as driven, disciplined, and caring. They say he was deeply committed to building a better life for his family and was excited about the opportunities ahead of him. His sudden death has left those closest to him heartbroken, especially because he had been preparing for a positive new chapter. “This was not the anticipated action,” his family said, reflecting the pain of losing him before he could fulfill his dreams.
Norristown Police and Montgomery County Detectives have launched a joint homicide investigation to identify the person responsible for Boyd’s death. Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. Tips can be shared directly with Norristown Police at 610-270-0977, Montgomery County Detectives at 610-278-3386, or submitted anonymously.
As the investigation continues, the Norristown community gathers in grief, remembering Hamid Boyd not for the tragedy that ended his life, but for the promising young man he was—an athlete, a soldier, a father, and a son whose life touched many.
