Family wants answers after teen dies walking home from school in Detroit

DETROIT – Friends and family gathered Tuesday, June 4, to remember a 16-year-old boy who was shot and killed walking home from school.

Elijah Reece's family said he was targeted while walking home from East English Village Preparatory Academy because of his shoes.

Background: 16-year-old walking home from school killed over shoes in east Detroit

His mother said he bought a pair of shoes for $1,200 from the late designer Alexander McQueen.

Elijah's funeral took place on Tuesday.

“Today is the most difficult day for everyone. Our family tries to stick together, stay strong for each other,” said Seddie Carreker, Elijah’s cousin. “No one wants to experience what we are experiencing now. Teenagers kill children and don't even know why they are killing them.

Elijah was shot three times in broad daylight on May 22 while walking home with a friend on Detroit's east side. Nearly two weeks later, the person responsible has still not been arrested.

“We let the police handle it,” Carreker said. “We don't want to rush them, they might end up letting the guys go if they go too fast.”

Elijah's parents said they had to be patient and wait for the police to do their job.

The family is urging those responsible to turn themselves in and that it is only a matter of time before police identify the suspects.

“You can’t run,” Carreker said. “The town is too small and everyone talks.”