Malcolm X's Grandson Slain in Mexico

Malcolm Shabazz, the grandson of civil rights leader Malcolm X, was slain in Mexico on Thursday, reports family friend Terrie Williams.

Williams, Shabazz’s mentor, took to her social networks yesterday saying, “I’m confirming, per US Embassy, on behalf of the family, the tragic death of Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of Malcolm X. Statement from family to come.”

Shabazz, 28, reportedly died after injuries he suffered during an attempted robbery.

The late Shabazz is infamously known for intentionally starting the fire that killed his grandmother, Betty Shabazz, in 1997.

The victim had a lengthy criminal past as he served 18 months in a juvenile facility at age 12 for second-degree arson and second-degree manslaughter in the death of his grandmother. Shabazz was then sent to a New York State prison at age 17, for his involvement in a robbery in Middletown, Orange County. In 2006, he plead guilty on charges of fourth-degree criminal mischief for breaking the windows of a store in Yonkers and he even claimed that he’d been under investigation by the FBI counter-terrorism unit for years.

Shabazz’s blog says that he was currently traveling the world to share “the importance of education and unity” and he claimed to have been writing a book.

The Shabazz family has yet to release a statement in regards to the victim’s death. Malcolm Shabazz is survived by his mother and two daughters. 

Our prayers go out to the Shabazz family.