Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of Malcolm X, has died, The Associated Press reports.
The 28-year-old grandson of the political activist was killed Thursday morning while traveling in Mexico City. A spokesperson for the family, Terrie Williams, confirmed the death to The AP.
Labor activist Miguel Suarez said he was with Shabazz when he was beat up during a dispute over a $1,200 bill at a bar in Mexico City.
Malcolm Shabazz is no stranger to hard times or controversy. In 1997, at the age of 12, he set a fire in his grandmother Betty Shabazz's home. She eventually died of severe burns. Shabazz served four years in juvenile detention for the incident. He served time for attempted robbery from 2002 to 2005.
Shabazz was the son of Qubilah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and his wife Betty Shabazz. At 4-years old, Qubilah saw her father shot to death as he delivered a speech in Harlem in 1965, according to the AP.
Williams told the AP the family plans on issuing a statement regarding the death of Malcolm Shabazz.
Reuters reports Williams posted the following message on her Facebook page:
"I'm confirming, per U.S. Embassy, on behalf of the family, the tragic death of Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of Malcolm X. Statement from family to come," the message said.
Williams told The Journal News that she had been mentoring the young man following his troubles.
"I mentored him and he did a lot of work with us in terms of speaking to young people," Williams said. "He was a very, very powerful brother."
