Stefanie Taylor and Juanqus Sims shared recollections of their 15-year-old son who was killed and later deserted by his pals.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Stefanie Taylor and Juanqus Sims bear in mind their 15-year-old son, Justin Taylor, who was shot and killed final Wednesday by his pal.
The taking pictures occurred on Shelbourne Street in northeast Knoxville. The police report stated Justin was shot from the again seat of a automobile and the motive force continued for 15 minutes to Western Heights Baptist Heart. That is the place the police discovered his physique nonetheless within the automobile.
“He was so energetic, he liked everybody. It is like he did not care about himself, he put everybody else first,” stated Stefanie Taylor, his mom.
He stated his son was a soccer star and was nicknamed after one of many greats.
“He was an excellent soccer participant and loads of coaches round right here at all times wished him to be on their workforce and referred to him as Bo-Bo Jackson,” Taylor stated.
He was a star on and off the sphere. His household stated he had an entrepreneurial spirit and his father, Juanqus Sims, stated he was able to work at any time.
“He might go away the home at eight or 9 within the morning saying, ‘I like you, I am about to go to work.’ That younger man, at eight or 9 within the morning, “Justin’s dad stated.
He did his greatest to remain out of bother and as an alternative targeted on doing constructive issues for the individuals round him.
However on January 27, Justin Taylor was shot and killed by a pal.
“He (Justin’s brother) came to visit and advised me that Justin had been shot. He stated, ‘I am critical Mother, he is been shot,'” Stefanie stated.
We requested his mother and father what they might say if they may speak to the shooter.
“What a disgrace, you took my son, what a disgrace,” Stefanie stated.
“Why did not they take him to the hospital? Why go away one facet of city and go to the opposite facet of city?” stated his father.
Now, Taylor has a message to attempt to stop this from occurring to a different household.
“We have to get collectively and love our children and train them about gun violence. We’d like a program or a spot that they will go to. We’d like extra issues for them to do apart from stroll round and get in bother,” Taylor stated.
The household has created a GoFundme to assist with funeral bills. He can be buried at New Grey Cemetery in Knoxville.
