The Deck Episode Summary: Dashaun “Dae Dae” Lawson (King of Hearts, Connecticut)
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host: audiochuck

Introduction

In this poignant episode of The Deck, hosted by audiochuck, listeners are introduced to the harrowing case of Dashaun “Dae Dae” Lawson, affectionately known as the "King of Hearts" from Connecticut. The podcast delves deep into the tragic events surrounding Dae Dae's untimely death, the ensuing investigation, and the profound impact on his family and community.

Background of Dae Dae Lawson

Dae Dae Lawson was a 26-year-old resident of East Hartford, Connecticut, known for his close-knit family ties and his entrepreneurial spirit. He was a devoted son and father, actively involved in helping his brother Darryl develop a fashion brand. Despite his seemingly stable life, Dae Dae was involved in selling marijuana on the side, a fact that later became a focal point in the investigation of his murder.

The Night of the Shooting

On December 22, 2017, three days before Christmas, Dae Dae's life was tragically cut short. While preparing to go shopping for last-minute Christmas gifts with his mother, Cynthia Lawson, a single gunshot echoed through the parking lot of their apartment complex, Hockingham Park. Dae Dae was found lying on the cold asphalt, bleeding from a gunshot wound. His mother, startled by a knock on the door, rushed outside to find her son gravely injured.

Notable Quote:
[04:30] Cynthia Lawson: "That's when I opened the door and I just ran out. No nothing on my feet. I had socks. Cause I like to be in the house with just socks on. And I just ran outside. No coat, no nothing. And Dae D was on the ground on his back."

Immediate Aftermath and Investigation

Detective Paul Sulcicki became the lead investigator on the case. Upon arriving at the scene, he noted the absence of physical evidence such as shell casings, which complicated initial leads. However, eyewitness accounts hinted at the presence of a metallic car fleeing the scene, leading to a subsequent traffic stop of a gold sedan. Unfortunately, the driver, who was later cleared, did not shed light on the case.

Notable Quote:
[05:25] Detective Paul Sulcicki: "Usually we call to a scene and there's no one there. The whole area was just full of people. Either kids getting off their bus or parents waiting to get their kids off the bus."

Challenges in the Investigation

The investigation faced significant hurdles:

• Lack of Witness Cooperation: Despite 25 to 30 people gathering at the crime scene, most were uncooperative, citing fear of retaliation.

• Insufficient Physical Evidence: The absence of a clear ballistic match and the inability to determine the caliber of the bullet further impeded progress.

• Misinformation and Rumors: The community's hopes for swift justice were dampened by circulating rumors that diverted attention without providing concrete leads.

Notable Quote:
[15:45] Detective Paul Sulcicki: "It was just names after name after name. People started to come up with all these theories. So you get multiple names, multiple theories, and you just start. It's almost like you just start going in circles."

Family's Struggle and Advocacy

Cynthia Lawson and her sister Keisha became vocal advocates for justice, tirelessly seeking answers and urging community members to come forward. Their unwavering determination highlighted the emotional toll of the unresolved case.

Notable Quotes:
[31:25] Keisha Lawson: "Turn yourself in. Eventually you're going to get caught anyway. You might as well save yourself some type of grace or mercy and confess yourself."

[32:13] Cynthia Lawson: "Nobody would never, ever know my pain. And, like, can nobody tell me how to be none of that? Because you didn't experience this."

Advancements and Geofence Warrant

In a bid to break the impasse, Detective Sulcicki employed a geofence warrant to identify electronic devices present at the crime scene during the time of the shooting. This technological approach yielded four potential phone numbers. However, investigations into these leads did not result in any breakthroughs, leaving the case unresolved.

Notable Quote:
[28:15] Detective Paul Sulcicki: "So I do it comes back with four numbers. Holy smokes. That's awesome. Because most of the geofence warrants come back with nothing."

Ongoing Efforts and Community Impact

Despite the challenges, Detective Sulcicki and the Lawson family remain committed to solving the case. Regular communications and community engagement efforts continue in hopes that new information will eventually surface. The presence of Dae Dae's name on playing card decks distributed in prisons symbolizes the ongoing search for justice.

Notable Quote:
[36:56] Detective Paul Sulcicki: "Any small piece of information in this case could be huge for the investigation."

Conclusion

The case of Dashaun “Dae Dae” Lawson epitomizes the complexities of unsolved murders, especially within tight-knit communities where fear and silence prevail. The Deck episode serves not only as a documentary recounting the events but also as a call to action for listeners who might hold the key to unlocking this mystery. The relentless pursuit of justice by Detective Sulcicki and the Lawson family underscores the human element behind every cold case, reminding us of the enduring hope that one day, truth will prevail.

Call to Action

Detective Sulcicki urges anyone with information to come forward. Listeners who recognize any details related to the case are encouraged to contact him directly at 860-291-7544 or reach out to the East Hartford Police Department at 860-528-4401.

This summary is crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode for those who have not listened, encapsulating the key moments, emotional narratives, and investigative efforts surrounding the tragic death of Dashaun “Dae Dae” Lawson.