Marcus Allen Hampton, known to many as “Hamp,” was just 28 years old when his life was tragically cut short by gun violence in Davenport, Iowa. In the early morning hours of Sunday, August 20, 2017, Davenport police officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 100 block of East 35th Street, near Brady Street Stadium. When officers arrived, they found Hampton suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported by medics to Genesis Medical Center–East, where he later died from his injuries. His death marked Davenport’s 10th homicide of 2017.
Roughly ten minutes after Hampton arrived at the hospital, another man appeared at Genesis East with a gunshot wound. Police later indicated they believed the two shootings were connected. In a statement to WQAD Channel 8, Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski described the shootings as target-specific and retaliatory, noting a troubling increase in gun-related incidents across the city. In response, police increased patrols in an effort to address the rise in violence and restore a sense of safety in the community.
Beyond the headlines and statistics, Marcus Hampton was a deeply loved son, father, partner, and friend. Born on October 9, 1988, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Davenport, he was the son of Erwin Hampton and Linda Mosley. Marcus was known for his larger-than-life personality and his passion for music. As a musician and the president of Hamp Productions, he released six CDs and regularly shared his talent at local venues, including concerts at Shenanigans’ Irish Pub. He believed strongly in working with others, uplifting those around him, and giving back to the community he called home.
Marcus leaves behind a large and loving family who continue to honor his memory. He is survived by his parents; his significant other, Alecia Bogan; his children, including daughter My’Naesha Hampton of Davenport; sons Marcus Allen Hampton Jr. of Cedar Rapids, and Marcell Hampton and Marcquez Hampton of Davenport; along with five step-daughters and three step-sons. He is also survived by his sisters LaKesha Mosley and LaShanda Bateman; brothers Derrick Hampton and Erwin Hampton Jr.; his paternal grandmother, Erma Jones of Forest City, Arkansas; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends.
Marcus was laid to rest following funeral services held on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at the Pentecostal Church of God on Ripley Street in Davenport. Family and friends gathered to celebrate a life defined by creativity, generosity, and love. Though his life ended far too soon, Marcus Allen Hampton’s impact continues to live on through his music, his children, and the countless lives he touched.
