DeSean Willard McKenzie, a 26-year-old music producer known as DJ Magic, was fatally stabbed on Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway, Queens, on August 4, 2021. Four people were arrested in connection with his death, according to a New York Daily News report published on August 14, 2021. McKenzie was a married father figure to two young stepsons and worked in technology while pursuing his passion for music. His killing left his family grieving and prompted a police investigation whose final court outcomes have not been independently verified in public reporting reviewed through November 2026.
Who Was DeSean McKenzie?
DeSean Willard McKenzie was born on November 14, 1994, at LaGuardia Hospital in Queens, New York. He was the son of Jennifer Forte and Willard McKenzie and grew up in Far Rockaway alongside his twin brother, Devon, and other family members.
According to his obituary published by Crowe's Funeral Homes, McKenzie attended P.S. 104 before continuing his education in a program focused on law enforcement and public safety.
As a young adult, he worked as a computer engineer in Flushing, Queens. Outside his professional responsibilities, he enjoyed producing music and spending time with family and friends.
His friends called him DJ Magic, reflecting his interest in music production.
What Happened to DeSean McKenzie on August 4, 2021?
McKenzie died after being stabbed on Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway on August 4, 2021.
The New York Daily News confirmed his identity, age, occupation as a music producer and the location of the fatal attack in its August 14 coverage of violence in the neighborhood.
McKenzie's death was among several homicides reported in Far Rockaway that month, although authorities did not establish a connection between his killing and the other incidents mentioned in the report.
The available reporting does not provide a verified account of what led to the stabbing or identify a confirmed motive.
Four People Arrested in Connection With His Death
By August 14, 2021, New York police had arrested four individuals in connection with McKenzie's killing.
The arrests were reported by the New York Daily News ten days after his death.
However, the contemporary report did not provide sufficient information to establish the identities of all four individuals, the specific charges filed against them or their subsequent legal outcomes.
Research covering publicly accessible reporting through November 2026 did not identify a reliable final judgment directly connected to McKenzie's homicide.
The arrests therefore should not be described as confirmed murder convictions. Criminal charges and arrests are separate from findings of guilt in court.
Was DeSean McKenzie Known as Magic Fly or DJ Magic?
McKenzie's family obituary identifies his nickname as DJ Magic.
Although the name Magic Fly appears in some references to the case, the available family documentation and contemporary newspaper reporting do not verify it as an established nickname or stage name.
DJ Magic is therefore the most reliably documented name associated with McKenzie's musical interests.
His obituary describes him as someone who enjoyed making music and regularly spoke about his ambitions for the future.
Public information about his recordings, professional collaborations and released music remains limited.
DeSean McKenzie's Wife and Children
McKenzie met Sashalee in 2016. The couple developed a relationship over the following two years and married in 2018.
His wife, Sashalee Harrison-McKenzie, had two young sons, and McKenzie became their stepfather.
According to his family's memorial, McKenzie took his responsibilities as a husband and stepfather seriously while continuing to work and pursue his personal interests.
His death left behind his wife, two stepsons, father, twin brother and other siblings and relatives.
DeSean McKenzie's Family and Early Life
McKenzie grew up in Far Rockaway surrounded by relatives and childhood friends.
His father, Willard, worked as a carpenter, while his mother, Jennifer Forte, worked as a social worker, according to the family obituary.
His twin brother, Devon McKenzie, was born shortly after him.
The obituary also identifies his brothers DeAndre McKenzie, Kyle McKenzie and Dalton Gayle, along with stepsisters Alyia and Hailey Johnson.
Family members remembered him as a quiet and respectful young man who enjoyed spending time with his loved ones and discussing his future plans.
Far Rockaway Homicides in August 2021
McKenzie's killing occurred during a period of concern about violent crime in Far Rockaway.
According to New York Daily News reporting published on August 14, the neighborhood had recorded seven homicides as of August 8, 2021, compared with five during the corresponding period in 2020.
The report discussed other fatal incidents in the neighborhood, including separate shootings in early August.
Those incidents were distinct from McKenzie's stabbing. The reporting did not establish that the same individuals or circumstances were involved.
Funeral and Memorial Service
McKenzie's funeral service took place on August 28, 2021, at Crowe's Funeral Homes on Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens.
The memorial recorded his birth on November 14, 1994, and his death on August 4, 2021.
His obituary focused on his upbringing, family relationships, musical interests and aspirations, preserving a fuller account of his life beyond the circumstances of the fatal attack.
DeSean McKenzie Case Timeline
- November 14, 1994: DeSean Willard McKenzie is born in Queens, New York.
- 2016: McKenzie meets Sashalee, his future wife.
- 2018: McKenzie and Sashalee marry.
- August 4, 2021: McKenzie is fatally stabbed on Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway.
- August 14, 2021: The New York Daily News reports that four people have been arrested in connection with his killing.
- August 28, 2021: His funeral service is held at Crowe's Funeral Homes in Jamaica, Queens.
Latest Update on the DeSean McKenzie Murder Case
As of November 10, 2026, the most clearly documented developments remain McKenzie's fatal stabbing on August 4, 2021, and the four arrests reported later that month.
Available sources do not establish a verified motive, final conviction or sentencing outcome directly associated with the case.
Reports about unrelated homicides near Mott Avenue or elsewhere in Far Rockaway should not be treated as developments in McKenzie's investigation without a confirmed connection.
Remembering DeSean McKenzie
DeSean McKenzie was 26 when his life ended in Far Rockaway. He left behind a wife, two stepsons, siblings and extended family.
Beyond the police investigation, his family's memorial describes a young man who worked in technology, enjoyed music production and wanted to build a future with those closest to him.
While four arrests were reported shortly after his death, the available evidence does not establish the final judicial outcome of the case.
McKenzie is remembered by his family and friends as DJ Magic, a husband, stepfather and aspiring music producer whose life was cut short on August 4, 2021.
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