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Shot Nine Times And Survived: 5 Incredible Ways Baron Li Turned Trauma Into A National Mission

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The story of Baron Li is not just a sensational true-crime headline; it is a profound testament to human resilience and the power of turning unimaginable trauma into a national purpose. As of December 19, 2025, Li, often nicknamed the "Asian 50 Cent" for his survival, continues to make headlines not for the 2020 murder-for-hire plot that nearly ended his life, but for his extraordinary work rebuilding his life and dedicating his future to helping others, specifically aged-out foster youth.

The Washington father's journey from surviving nine gunshot wounds—a horrific attack allegedly orchestrated by his ex-wife over a bitter custody dispute—to becoming a successful entrepreneur and a leading advocate in the foster care community is both unique and deeply inspiring. His current endeavors, including a mission-driven contracting business and a nationwide foster care initiative, demonstrate a powerful commitment to ensuring his pain was not in vain, solidifying his status as a figure of hope and survival.

Baron Li: A Life Profile of Resilience

Baron Li’s life before and after the 2020 attack is marked by a series of intense challenges and triumphs. His background, rooted in the foster care system, provides critical context for his later philanthropic mission.

  • Full Name: Baron Li
  • Nickname: "Asian 50 Cent" (due to surviving multiple gunshot wounds)
  • Birthplace: Thailand
  • Early Life: Raised in Hawaii; survived severe childhood abuse and was placed in 17 different foster and group-home placements.
  • Former Spouse: Shaerin Rose Kelley (alleged mastermind of the murder plot)
  • Career (Pre-2020): Financial Services Professional at AXIANTA Financial Partners in Calabasas, California, for five years.
  • The Incident: Survived being shot nine times in a murder-for-hire plot outside his Bellevue, Washington, home in July 2020. The motive was a custody battle over his son.
  • Current Business: Co-owner of Four Tiers Contracting LLC (Issaquah, WA).
  • Current Advocacy: Founder of the CKMD Army.
  • Current Advisory Role: Advisor at Route 21 in Seattle, Washington (since January 2023).

The Shocking Details of the Bellevue Murder-for-Hire Plot

The attempt on Baron Li’s life in July 2020 was not a random act of violence, but a meticulously planned murder-for-hire plot rooted in a bitter custody dispute. The details of the crime and the subsequent legal proceedings have captivated true-crime audiences nationwide, highlighting the extreme lengths to which his ex-wife allegedly went.

The Ambush and Miraculous Survival

As Li walked to his car outside his Bellevue home, a hooded assailant opened fire, striking him nine times. Despite the severity of his injuries, Li miraculously survived the ambush. His survival has been a central part of his story, earning him the nickname "Asian 50 Cent" in reference to the rapper who also survived multiple gunshot wounds.

The physical toll of the attack is ongoing. Years later, Li still carries the physical reminders of the trauma, with three bullets remaining lodged inside his body. His recovery has been a long and painful process, yet he has consistently shown an indomitable spirit.

The Alleged Mastermind and the Perpetrators

Police investigation quickly pointed to Li's ex-wife, Shaerin Rose Kelley, as the alleged mastermind behind the plot. Prosecutors argued that the motive was a desperate attempt to gain full custody of their son. Kelley allegedly hired a man named Joseph Good to carry out the killing. Good, a teenager at the time, then recruited his friend, Quincy Mendez, to assist in the crime.

The legal battles that followed have been complex, with the perpetrators facing serious charges. The case serves as a chilling example of domestic conflict escalating into extreme violence, and the ongoing legal developments are closely followed by the public, as Li and his family continue to wait for full justice.

From Trauma Survivor to National Foster Care Advocate

Rather than letting the trauma define him, Baron Li has channeled his experience—both the childhood abuse and the assassination attempt—into a powerful mission of advocacy and entrepreneurship. His current work is deeply focused on giving back to the community he knows intimately: the foster care system. This pivot from financial professional to social entrepreneur is the freshest and most compelling aspect of his current life.

1. Building Homes and Hope with Four Tiers Contracting

Li co-founded Four Tiers Contracting LLC, a construction and renovation company based in Issaquah, Washington. This business is far more than a standard handyman service; it is a social enterprise with a deliberate mission. The company was co-founded by Li and Kreg Graham, another former foster youth, and specializes in small repairs and renovations.

The core mission of Four Tiers Contracting is to employ and mentor aged-out foster youth, providing them with stable jobs, valuable life skills, and a supportive environment. This initiative directly addresses the high rates of unemployment and instability faced by young adults transitioning out of the foster care system, turning a profit-driven business into a mechanism for social change.

2. The CKMD Army: Uniting the Foster Care Community

Li is also the founder of the CKMD Army, a nationwide initiative dedicated to empowering and uniting the entire foster care community. The organization's bold mission is to provide support and resources for those who have experienced the system, including foster youth, foster parents, and advocates.

The CKMD Army represents Li’s commitment to transforming his personal pain into a collective force for good. By sharing his own story of survival from both childhood abuse and the attempted murder, he inspires others to rebuild their lives and find purpose after trauma.

3. Inspiring Others on the Fostering Change Podcast

As a leading voice in the foster care advocacy space, Li has actively engaged with organizations like Comfort Cases, appearing on podcasts such as "Fostering Change." In these appearances, he discusses his journey and his mission to help others rebuild their lives, emphasizing the importance of community and support for those aging out of the system.

4. Legislative Advocacy for Court System Reform

Li has also been involved in legislative efforts in Washington state, advocating for bills aimed at improving the financial health, careers, and overall experiences of males within the court system. His advocacy highlights the systemic issues he faced and provides a voice for others navigating complex legal and family court challenges.

5. A Symbol of Unbreakable Resilience in True Crime Media

Baron Li’s story has become a prominent feature in true-crime media, including segments on major news outlets and podcasts. While the exposure is tied to a traumatic event, Li uses this platform to focus on his message of hope and his mission. His ability to speak candidly about the pain of his past—including the abuse, the 17 foster placements, and the shooting—while maintaining a forward-looking perspective, makes him a unique and powerful figure of unbreakable resilience.

Baron Li’s life today is a powerful rebuttal to the violence he endured. His work with Four Tiers Contracting and the CKMD Army demonstrates that true healing is often found in service to others, turning his title of "survivor" into "national change-maker."

Shot Nine Times and Survived: 5 Incredible Ways Baron Li Turned Trauma Into a National Mission
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baron li

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