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Teen's parents channel grief into foundation for youth empowerment

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Published  December 10, 2024 6:27pm EST
DeKalb County
FOX 5 Atlanta

Best friend wanted in 19-year-old's murder

A Georgia mother is trying to mourn and seek justice for her son, 19-year-old Kendarrius Spear, who she claims was set up by his own best friend. Two people have been arrested so far, 23-year-old Samuel Ponder and 17-year-old Jaylen Bailey. Spear's family says the friend, 19-year-old Jordan Finnissee, is still on the run.

The Brief

    • Kendarrius Spear, a promising young man and former Alcovy High School basketball star, was fatally shot at an apartment complex in Lithonia.
    • Two suspects, including a 17-year-old, have been arrested for Spear's murder, while a third, identified as Jordan Finnissee and allegedly Spear's best friend, is still at large.
    • Spear's parents are maintaining his memory by creating a foundation that empowers youth through nonviolence, academics, education, and community service.
    • As they near the six-month anniversary of their son's death, Spear's parents publicly plea for help to capture the final suspect involved in their son's murder.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Kendarrius Spear was a young man with a bright future.

He made a huge impact on and off the basketball court during his time at Alcovy High School in Covington.

The 19-year-old went on to attend Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and was home on summer break when tragedy struck.

Deadly shooting along Sutcliffe Square

Spear was shot and killed at this apartment complex on the 5900 block of Sutcliffe Square in Lithonia, the night of June 25.

"Kendarrius was set up," the victim’s mother, Kennethia McKibben-Gay, told FOX 5. "He was with his best friend, Jordan Finnissee, as well as Jalen Bailey."

DeKalb County police arrested 23-year-old Samuel Ponder and 17-year-old Bailey for his murder. A third suspect, 19-year-old Jordan Finnissee, remains at large.

Spear's parents said Finnissee and their son were best friends, but Finnissee betrayed him.

Police said the suspects had robbed and murdered the teen.

"Someone knows something," Gay said. "We're talking about a 19-year-old child that has no resources. He doesn't have a job. He doesn't have his own car. Someone is helping him."

Kendarrius Spear’s legacy: Parents start a youth foundation

Kendarrius' parents have started a foundation in his name to honor his legacy.

"With that foundation, we are empowering the youth through nonviolent initiatives, academics, education, as well as community service. We are active in the community," Gay explained.

As the six-month anniversary of their son's death approaches, Spear's parents are turning to the public for help in hopes it will lead to Finnissee's arrest.

"I would find peace with this arrest of this final suspect.  Jordan was KD's best friend. He called him brother. I can't imagine what would have made Jordan want to set KD up," Gay lamented.

Anyone with information in the case can contact the DeKalb County Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta.

The Source: FOX 5's Deidra Dukes spoke with the parents of Kendarrius Spear and the DeKalb County Police Department for this original report.

DeKalb CountyNewsCrime and Public Safety