“Graduation” ceremony for Quicy Reese Jr. – NBC Los Angeles

The family of a teenager shot and killed after a birthday party held a “graduation” ceremony in Long Beach on the first anniversary of his death.

Quincy Reese Jr. died following a nightclub shooting in South Los Angeles on June 10, 2023, suffering a gunshot wound to the head.

The “graduation” ceremony took place at El Dorado Park West in Long Beach, when the teen had not even graduated from high school yet when his life was cut short at just 16 years old.

“We've waited so long, so long for this moment. And it wasn't supposed to be like this,” said Paradisha Cooperwood, his mother, as she wore a blue graduation dress. “He was supposed to be here to celebrate himself.”

The Crenshaw High teen excelled in sports and academics, according to his family. The nonprofit Hoop Justice has since established an annual memorial scholarship to honor Reese Jr.'s life.

Homicide investigators said that although hundreds of children were at the party that evening, very few of them came forward with information. A year later, no arrests have yet been made.

Quincy Reese Sr. said he and his family continued to call the LAPD for updates, to no avail.

The family has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of her killer.