Loved ones hold balloon release for 16-year-old Woodlawn HS student fatally sH๏τ at Chatham home
Relatives came together on Tuesday outside of the same Chatham home where 16-year-old Stephon Jacobs was found sH๏τ to death during what, the family says, was an unsupervised teen party over the weekend.
“We definitely need justice. It was a lot of kids in this house that day,” said Joycelyn Fikes, the victim’s aunt.
Loved ones gathered in mourning and with purpose as they sent balloons high up in the sky while still grounded in heartache.
“It’s just so crazy to me that that had happened. Like, we should’ve had more time to spend with each other,” said Sumeyre Jacobs, the victim’s 14-year-old brother.
And that time cut short was remembered outside the home near 77th and Rhodes where, police say, the 16-year-old Woodlawn High School student was found upstairs in a room with a fatal gunsH๏τ wound to the head.
“I guess one of the little boys was in the house playing with the gun, and the gun went off,” Fikes said.
It happened just after 1:30 a.m. Sunday during what, relatives say, was a late-night unsupervised teen party.
“I wish that we knew that he was here because I would’ve personally came and got him,” said Veronica Harris, the victim’s aunt. “Guns are in the hands of these teenagers, and it’s taking our kids away from us.”
Messages left for the landlord were not returned.
When asked, police wouldn’t say if or how many times officers were ever called to that home. They also wouldn’t say if anyone was taken into custody regarding the shooting, only saying there are no updates at this time while the investigation remains ongoing.
18-Year-Old Arrested After Sister, 21, Dies of GunsH๏τ Wound to Head: Prosecutors
A New Hampshire college student’s brother was arrested in connection with her death after she was sH๏τ and killed on Monday, June 8.
Logan Anderson, 18, was arrested and charged with one count of second-degree murder in connection with his sister Leah Anderson’s death, the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the Thornton New Hampshire Police Department announced.
Logan is accused of shooting Leah and causing her death, the agencies said.
The victim was a 21-year-old student at Plymouth State University, where she majored in Elementary Education and Youth Development.
Credit: New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office
Authorities previously said Leah was found “with serious bodily injury” following a shooting.
In an update, the New Hampshire Department of Justice said the victim was located inside a residence on Upper Mad River Road in Thornton “suffering from a wound to her head” at approximately 8:20 a.m. Monday after a call to 911 was placed.
Logan’s arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, but he waived his arraignment and a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf, the Concord Monitor reported, citing a spokesperson for the courts. He is currently being held without bail.
A possible motive for the shooting was not disclosed. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing, the New Hampshire Department of Justice said.
“Those who knew Leah speak of a young woman whose kindness touched those around her,” Plymouth State University President Donald L. Birx said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Whether at Plymouth State or in the broader community, she was known for her caring nature, her warmth, and her ability to make others feel valued. More than one person shared that Leah could brighten someone’s day without even realizing it simply because kindness came so naturally to her. That generosity of spirit is how many will remember her.”
“Our thoughts are with Leah’s family, loved ones, and friends during this difficult time. Her loss is deeply felt across the Plymouth State community,” Birx concluded.
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Relatives came together on Tuesday outside of the same Chatham home where 16-year-old Stephon Jacobs was found sH๏τ to death during what, the family says, was an…