Relative of 16-year-old killed speaks out
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — It’s been two days now since a 16-year-old was shot and killed in the city. As police look for the shooter, the family of Jaquise Davis is struggling with one central question—why would someone take his life?
News10NBC talked to Rise Up Rochester Executive Director Wanda Ridgeway because this latest homicide hits home for her.
“Jaquise didn’t deserve this. He did not deserve this. He died on the front steps of his home,” said Ridgeway who is also Jaquise’s great aunt.
Close family members of 16-year-old Jaquise Davis gather at a park located just steps from where he was shot and killed Monday night. Ridgeway says her family is still searching for answers but also told us what happened when they were first told he got shot.
“We rushed over not really sure what happened, and they were working on him. We went to the hospital, he was transported to the hospital, and we went over, and he was pronounced at the hospital, deceased,” said Ridgeway.
It's been two days now since a 16-year-old was shot and killed in the city. As police look for the shooter, the family of Jaquise Davis is struggling with one central question—why would someone take his life?
She says the family has received some disturbing information.
“The streets talk, and we are hearing that it wasn’t meant for him, and it’s sad my nephew had just left work at 7:30 that night,” said Ridgeway.
Jaquise’s family describes him as a good kid who attended East High School.
“He was a fun kid. You know ride his bike. Like I said walked, every night he’d walked in the house. He checked in on my mother to make sure, grandma do you need anything? You know that’s the type of kid Jaquise was,” said Ridgeway.
Often times Ridgeway, and her organization Rise Up Rochester are there for families of murder victims.
“When it hits home it’s different you know. So I’m here, I’m standing,” said Ridgeway.
Jaquise’s great grandmother Gloria Davis is begging other parents to be more vigilant with their children.
“Keep a tight hand on your children. Know where they are, who they are talking to, and who is trying to turn them away from being good,” said Davis.
One of Jaquise’s East High School teachers who did not want to be identified sent us this statement saying, “The news will portray him one way and the internet comments will say things about “Black on Black crime” and “another Rochester murder”… but I know what an amazing person he was and that he was so loved by so many.”
Rise Up Rochester is planning a walk that’s scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, starting at North Clinton Avenue, and Scrantom Street.