BUFFALO, N.Y. — The mother of a 3-year-old boy, who died as the result of being shot earlier this month, addressed the media and the community for the first time.
"To the people did this, you took from us a beautiful soul," said Danetta Jenifer, regarding the death of her son, Shaquelle Walker, Jr.
The 3-year-old boy and three others were wounded in a shooting that happened at the Ferry Grider apartment complex on Donovan Drive on July 5. The child was shot while riding his bicycle near where his family was having a late-night cookout and enjoying the fireworks.
A police source said 38 shots were fired.
Shaquelle died four days after the incident.
"He was a good kid, he was a good kid. I send my prayers out to the family," said Londra Bell, who described himself as a close friend of the family. Bell said his grandson would play with Shaquelle, who was nicknamed "Quelle."
Pastor James Giles of Back to Basics Ministry told 2 On Your Side after speaking with Shaquelle's family he learned the boy passed away.
Pastor Tim Newkirk of GYC Ministries said he's also been in contact with the family and said they are devastated, as is the community.
"It was a mass shooting, which involved four individuals and one toddler who lost his life too soon," he said. "He could've been a president, he could've been a doctor, he could've been a lawyer, he could've invented the cure for cancer."
Newkirk and Bell met with 2 On Your Side near where the shooting happened to spread the message that they want a cease-fire in the City of Buffalo. They said anti-violence groups affiliated with GYC Ministries will be patrolling neighborhoods this weekend to prevent any further violence.
"We are asking right now, as we speak, ceasefire. Put the guns down," said Newkirk.
Added Bell: "Let's put the guns down, let's stop killing each other, let's stop killing each other."
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown issued a statement Friday night, saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of 3-year-old Shaquelle Walker, Jr. who has died after a senseless, tragic shooting on Monday night on Donovan Drive. This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire community. Please keep the family in your prayers, and please, please put the guns down."