Expand / Collapse search
☰

Vigil held for 16-year-old gunned down in South Philly

Published  June 18, 2018 10:39pm EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - A mother is calling for justice after her 16-year-old son was killed in South Philly.

Alissa Jackson fought back tears as she spoke about her son Symir Walker who was gunned down around the corner from his home Friday night.

"No mother deserves to go through this pain," Jackson told FOX 29 Monday night. "It's senseless. it's stupid. My son did not deserve this. Nobody deserves it."

Dozens of Symir's family members and friends gathered outside his mom's home at 13th and Catherine Monday night. There was a heavy police presence as mourners remembered the 16-year-old who was shot along with his 12-year-old friend near 12th and Fitzwater.

"I don't know why they did what they did, but they really have to answer for that," Jackson added.

"At this time, we don't have any suspects. We're working on developing a motive and looking for video," Homicide Unit Captain John Ryan told reporters Monday.

Police say Symir and his friend had just left basketball courts headed home when the gunmen pened fire. The suspects fired 19 shots--possibly from a dark colored car seen fleeing the scene westbound on Fitzwater. Police are reviewing surveillance video at the scene.

"It wasn't random. There is some gang activity on 13th Street, we believe it may be tied to," Captain ryan added.

The vigil ended with the launch of blue and white balloons. Meanwhile, Alissa Jackson wept openly. She's heartbroken over the loss of her son. A son she says was loved by everyone in her neighborhood.

"Symir was a fun loving child," Jackson said. "He cared for everybody. When I tell him to come in the house at his curfew. He said, 'Mom I have to make sure I walk my friend home. That's who he was."

Symir Walker's family does not believe he was the intended target. There's a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. The 12-year-old boy was shot in the leg. He has spoken with police and is being cooperative.

This was one of five murders this past weekend.