True story behind Netflix-streamed true events-inspired murder movie ‘Rob Peace’- The Week

On November 11, Netflix released ‘Rob Peace’, a biographical flick directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. The movie that hit theatres in August 2024 starring Jay Will, Mary J. Blige, and Camila Cabello, is based on Jeff Hobbs’ bestselling book, “The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace.”

‘Rob Peace’ follows the tale of Robert DeShaun Peace, a man who was killed aged 30 in 2011 after a drug deal went wrong. Peace, who attended Yale University, crossed some difficult paths to attain academic greatness, all the while struggling to free his incarcerated father. His murder remains an unsolved puzzle as the shooter who claimed his life remains untraced.

Who was Rob Peace?

Robert, who was Rob for people he was close to, was born to Jackie and Skeet in 1980 in New Jersey’s East Orange. Robert’s intellectual capabilities were identified while he was still attending kindergarten and his parents concluded academics was his way ahead.

Tragedy struck the family in 1987 when Skeet was found guilty of the murder of Charlene Moore and Estella Moore. He was sentenced to life, making prison a part of little Peace’s life. According to People portal, Rob Peace visited his father every weekend for more than a decade, while Skeet did his part by telephoning his son to ensure his focus on studies remained unwavering.

What happened to Rob Peace’s father?

After turning 18, Rob started the legal battle to win his father his freedom. People reported that his efforts even managed to get Skeet out for a short period.

Rob Peace attended  Yale University, majoring in molecular biophysics and biochemistry. While his academic expenses were covered by a benevolent businessman, the youngster took up a profession in crime to pay his father’s lawyers. He used his dorm room to sell marijuana and allegedly saved up to $100,000, US media reports said.

However, Peace’s legal battle didn’t meet the preferred end as Skeet passed away in jail in 2006 after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

Rob Peace’s murder: What we know

He became a Yale graduate in 2002 and became a biology teacher at St. Benedict’s until 2007.  He also worked in baggage handling at Newark International Airport during this period.

Many remember ‘Teacher Rob’ as someone who cared about the community and the kids of his friends.

Although the circumstances remain unclear, media reports said that he went back to the marijuana business in his 20s. This led to his killing in May 2011.

Rob Peace was shot to death in a grow house in Newark by an unidentified gunman. The New Jersey Police were able to recover marijuana and cash from the scene, reportedly influencing the conclusion that he was gunned down during a drug deal gone wrong.

According to Rob Peace’s roommate from college who attended his funeral, the event was attended by no less than 400 people — evidence of the marking impact he left on the lives of people.