Damani Elijah Chadly, born May 21, 2001, on Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, was a vibrant and talented young man whose life was tragically cut short. His story is one of promise, passion, and the devastating impact of gun violence.
Memorial bench for Damani Elijah Chadly at the waterfront on E. St. in Benicia. Photo by Benicia Independent.
Justine Chadly, Damani’s mother, shared that her son was the inspiration for In Harmony Music, her business she started in town when he was a toddler.
Early Life and Education
Damani Elijah lived in Texas and New Mexico until 2003, when he moved to the Bay Area. Benicia became his home, where he attended Tiny Tots Preschool, Shining Star Montessori, and Mary Farmar Elementary. He enjoyed downtown events, swimming, soccer, basketball, baseball, and piano lessons.
He transitioned from alto to tenor sax as he grew to over six feet tall and enjoyed jam sessions with friends and school performances.
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Passion for Music
As a truly social being, Mani Elijah loved the move to San Francisco, where he attended Presidio Hill School for middle school. At California High School he was known to be a young man of substance and integrity who in many ways was beyond his years, and all who knew him knew he would do great things.
High school was the time he decided to place all his efforts into his passion and talent for music production. He placed tremendous value on all life.
Interning and eventually teaching classes at Youth Radio in Oakland filled him with pride and passion for making beats and collaborating with others to create music together. Known at work as "Lucille's funniest worker," he loved making people laugh and always brought a playful and exuberant energy.
His junior and senior years were spent devoted to working and going to school, making music, and visiting colleges and family on the East Coast. He loved family and felt the daily love and support from the very special people who continue to keep his memory alive today. He is forever in our hearts and his music and spirit continue on.
He was not only active in daily class discussions but in his American Government class, he “was the class.” His motivation inspired others and his introspection made him stand out.
The Tragic Loss
Damani Chadly was a senior at California High in San Ramon. On December 2018, at the age of 17, Damani’s life was tragically cut short in a shooting. Christian Kelling, 24, was convicted of second-degree murder in September of the following year for the death of Damani Chadly and also seriously injured Chadly’s close friend.
His mother, Justine Chadly, described him as a loving young man who prided himself as a role model. “He placed tremendous value on all life…I’m so proud of him,” Justine Chadly said.
“(Kelling) put holes through my defenseless, sweet son’s young head and neck…there should be no leniency given,” Chadly said.
Before he was sentenced, Kelling read an apology statement that said he was sorry “for the loss of life” and asked for Chadly’s family to forgive him one day.
“I wish this never happened,” Kelling said, later adding, “This is something that constantly runs in my head every night, every minute, every hour, and every day over the last three years.
After the murder, Kelling fled to Texas and was later arrested.
Jurors convicted Kelling of second degree murder, but acquitted him of attempted murder for shooting Damani Chadly’s friend.
Community Remembrance
The City of Benicia installed a memorial bench for Damani on Jan. 31 at the E. St. waterfront.
“In memory of Damani Elijah Chadly, we move forward in the fight to create a world where the safety of our children isn’t left to chance,” Swalwell’s post reads.
Here in Benicia, Justine Chadly, Director/Owner of In Harmony Music shared the story of her son, Damani “Mani” Elijah Chadly, who was murdered in Dec. of 2018 in Fremont at the age of 17.
“Mani” was the inspiration for In Harmony Music, her business she started in town when he was a toddler.
His death generated national headlines, as did Contra Costa County prosecutors’ decision not to file criminal charges against the driver whose vehicle hit Knapp in the bike lane.
He is forever in our hearts and his music and spirit continue on.
Stories are found at #momentsthatsurvive.
Damani Chadly was a senior at California High in San Ramon, was heavily involved in music, and worked at Youth Radio as an instructor.
His mother, Justine Chadly, described him as a loving young man who prided himself as a role model.
Jan. 31 was the day the memorial bench for Damani Elijah Chadly was installed on the waterfront on E. St.
“Gun violence destroys lives and tears communities apart. To learn more about Damani and other victims of gun violence, please visit The Survivors Network.
Feb. 1-8 was National Gun Violence Survivors Week.
The worst mass killing of the century is unfolding and you probably never heard about it.
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