MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — What happened to Dave Velk? Friends and family of the late musician have created a Facebook page dedicated to answering that question.
David Veljkovich, known on stage as Dave Velk, was found dead at his home on the 700 block of Quincy St. NE on the morning of May 2, 2023. The medical examiner ruled the 32-year-old died from a single gunshot to his torso. His roommate said it also looked like he was hit over the head with a laptop and it was clear a burglary had happened. You can read more about the case, here.
It's been nearly six months since Velk's death and no arrests have been made.
"After he passed, things were really quiet for a long time. So when a few months had gone by, some of us started talking. The investigation is going to go how it's going to go. We can't control that. But we can get together and do what we can to keep Dave's name going," said Aurora Butler, Velk's friend.
Friends and family have created a Facebook page called, "What Happened to Dave Velk?" They also have an email where people can send in tips at "whathappenedtodavevelk@gmail.com." Any information will get forwarded to investigators.
Minneapolis Police Sgt. Garrett Parten told KARE 11 the case remains open and active. MPD is encouraging anyone with information to submit through Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-8477.
According to his obituary, "It was in Minnesota Dave found his ultimate passion- music. Dave was a talented rapper and songwriter. He performed at multiple locations around Minnesota including Sociable Cider Werks, Underground Music Venue, The Pour House, The Keller Bar, and The Red Carpet. He helped create amazing songs and music videos with partner songwriters, producers, and friends."
Prior to his death, Velk and a couple of his friends created and co-hosted a monthly show called "The Comedy/Rap Beatdown." The show ran for a year and a half, featuring local comics and musicians. To honor Velk's music legacy, his friends and family are hosting another Beatdown show on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. at Spring Street Tavern in northeast Minneapolis.
The show will feature some of the local comedians and musicians that Velk worked with during his time running the show.
"As family and friends, in situations like this... it's a powerless feeling," Butler said. "But getting this together, getting together with everybody, meeting friends of Dave's that I didn't know before from other areas of his life, I don't think we'll fail with this because everybody is very invested. Everybody's invested and just wants his story told."
Admission is $15 and all the proceeds from the event will go directly to seeking justice for Velk and keeping his legacy alive.
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