Family friends of teen killed in shooting urge youth to stop the violence
CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – Close family friends remember 17-year-old Kemari Childress, and urge the youth of the community stop the violence and be more positive.
“It’s tough. For real. When it hits home like this, when it hits close like this, it’s not easy because you see one of your fellow family members hurt.”
Kweku Arkorful is co-owner of Be Chosen Academy. He says hearing the news about the death of Childress is devastating. It hits home for him because he is a close friend of her parents.
“No parent should be burying their child,” said Arkorful. “That’s probably one of the toughest things to do as a parent.”
The heartbreaking news comes after Kemari was shot and killed in front of CVS on Tuesday. One other person was also injured by a bullet.
Tre’marion Jones is charged with Class A felony murder in the first degree and other charges.
Zhamius Smith faces a hindering prosecution charge.
Yaunique Cain faces a tampering with physical evidence charge.
Arkorful SAYS Kemari’s parents are close friends and often come to his gym. He says Kemari was a girl who was full of life:
“Very polite, and very nice to us and very kind to us,” said Arkorful.
As the shooting is still fresh, he says the feeling a mother must have from losing her daughter is unimaginable.
“She’s struggling right now,” said Arkorful. “So, for everybody that’s out there that knows her, if you don’t know her, definitely be praying for her family, Jessica and Daryl.”
Future Criglar is fitness trainer at Be Chosen Academy. He says the youth in the community need more guidance and activities to keep them levelheaded and out of detrimental activities.
“I encourage you bring them to Be Chosen and be a part of the Be Chosen animal program,” said Criglar.
He says our youth need more mentors to keep the youth active and on track.
“And we make them great,” said Criglar. “So, give it a try. We have what you need here at Be Chosen.”
Related story:
1 dead, 3 suspects face charges after shooting near Cape Girardeau pharmacy
