Teen's shooting death a tragic echo of mother's murder 7 years ago
EAST POINT, Ga. - A 17-year-old, who often spoke out about gun violence after his mother was murdered, was shot and killed in Cobb County. Kenneth Collier Jr. died Thursday night.
"One of the smartest kids I know. He had a beautiful smile, full of energy, a beautiful soul," said Ken Collier, Kenneth's father.
Collier proudly talked about his son Kenneth as family and friends gathered to remember the 17-year-old at a vigil in East Point on Monday night.
Collier says his son loved music, performing, and wanted to have his own fashion brand. The junior at Eagles Landing High School would often speak out against gun violence.
In 2017, his mother, Tamika Trimble, was shot and killed in DeKalb County. It happened on Kenneth's 10th birthday.
"A lot of times he would cry at night just thinking about his mom and would always say he didn't want that to happen to him," said Collier.
Collier says that on Thursday night, his son was visiting family in Austell and told his sister he was going to see someone.
Cobb County police say Kenneth was shot multiple times at the Residence at Riverside apartments. He was rushed to the hospital where he later died.
"As a parent, it is the worst feeling in the world," said Collier.
Now, this father is making a promise to his son.
"Seven years and they never made an arrest in his mom's murder. Now it happened to him, and I'll make sure they make an arrest this time," said Collier.
Cobb County police say investigators are diligently working to find out who shot and killed Kenneth Collier Jr. If anyone has any information, they should give the Cobb County police a call.
The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Denise Dillon.