A grieving family is calling for justice as a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed near a party.
It happened last Monday morning in the Lower 9th Ward. On Friday, the family and friends of Kenneth Smith Jr gathered for a vigil.
WDSU Reporter Shay O’Connor was live, explaining new details about the shooting and concerns about a home.
Sabrina Jenkins, the mother of Kenneth Smith Jr. said, “This is so unbelievable. My son was loved by everyone. He didn’t get into trouble. Very respectful.”
A family is now left to grieve a teen with a whole life ahead of him.
Family confirmed to WDSU Kenneth Smith is one of the teens walking in surveillance video to a neighborhood store after leaving a party on St. Maurice Avenue.
“I feel like I shouldn’t have let him go. The moment I did, he didn’t come back,” Jenkins said.
Minutes later, his friends are seen running back after they said another group opened fire. Smith was shot and taken to a hospital by his brother. He died from his injuries.
Ms. Jenkins, Kenneth’s mom, said the teen was working over the summer and was new to the city. They had moved from Georgia about four months ago.
Rafael Goyeneche, with the Metropolitan Crime Commission, said, “During the summer, you see more juveniles either being more victims of crimes or being involved in crime. A large part is because school is out.”
The family said the home at 2031 St. Maurice Street is known to people as a party house in the area. There were multiple parties Sunday night. A fight broke out in a separate area of the party, but not involving the teens.
“You’re booking a lot of parties. Not knowing what’s going on, ” Jenkins said.
Reports show a mass shooting broke out in 2022 at the same home. Two teens were killed.
Sources with the city told WDSU the home is running as an event space without a proper permit. We are also told the home is not a registered short-term rental. People who live in the area said the home is being rented on social media.
WDSU did reach out to the owners of the home, and they declined to speak.
To donate to Smth’s family click the link:
Fundraiser by Denika gaines : Support Kenneth’s Family After Tragic Loss
READ MORE:Family mourns teen killed in Lower 9 after event; residents complain about known party house in area
