Brodie Crowder pictured was the last hope to Crowder troubled past.  The older cousin and legal guardian did everything possible to keep John away from East Baltimore before his tragic death.
 

Brodie and John shared a common bond; they were both cousins that did not have a relationship with their fathers who were also brothers.  In an era where kids need a village to watch them, Brodie took on the difficult task of showing his little cousin a different life and opportunity that John seemed to struggle with at times.  Brodie enrolled John into Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School after the closing of Towson Catholic heading into his sophomore season.  Crowder started to embrace his cousin’s vision of changing scenery, as well as positive influences around him. 

John started out with WPC recreation and was mentored at a young age by Coach (Gerald Stokes) and Corey Barnhart who both advised that he leave B-More for a quality chance at life, and away from a troubled neighborhood that almost took the life of his older brother.  John became the life of that brother, and you would see him at games cheering him to give it his all during games.  After a solid season academically and athletically at Mt. Carmel, Brodie decided to surprise his younger cousin with a brand new home in the Pennsylvania area. John was now looking for a school that would provide housing during the week. On that short list was Montrose Christian, a school headed by Stu Vetter, known to bring discipline and stability.  John balked at the opportunity and began to rebel at Brodie wishes and asked to go back and live with grandmom immediately. When the word got out that Crowder was back in East Baltimore, his AAU coaches at Nike Baltimore Elite as well as Team Melo decided that he would need to be closely monitored.  Brodie although he couldn’t make John stay in Pennsylvania, never gave up on his cousin.  Brodie would check on him daily, but noted that he instantly seen a change in Johns attitude towards playing basketball as well as his friends.  John Crowder was last seen moving at a fast pace according to witnesses, on his cell phone back to that neighborhood that caused many to be concerned.  On the night of July 4th, when he turned the corner of Garrett Avenue, he had no idea it would be his last time on this earth and the end of a dream that turned into a nightmare. 

Baltimore lost a child that was lost and could not find his way back home.  We would like to give our prayers to his family, basketball friends, as well as all that tried to make a difference in this young mans life.  We will mourn, but we will all learn a valuable lesson, that life is not guaranteed...... it's a blessing each day.  R.I.P. John.....