The teenager shot and killed in Colorado as his community celebrated Juneteenth on Friday night has been identified as 17-year-old Xaviyar Sturges.
As per reports, over 1,000 people were in attendance at Rocky Ridge Park in Aurora when gunfire was heard. Attendee Karen Borthick told KDVR: “All of a sudden we hear pop pop pop, at least 6, 7 shots. All one right after another.
“As soon as heard those shots, kids just started flying out of the park. They were running and screaming in every direction.”
Karen immediately called 911 as friends transported Xaviyar by car to a nearby ambulance in the park.
“Fortunately the ambulance was right there, so they got the kid out of the SUV, and got him loaded into the ambulance, and they took off really fast,” Karen explained.
Tragically, however, Xaviyar’s injuries were so severe that he passed away in hospital. The teen was set to start his senior year of high school this fall.
As yet authorities have not released information regarding suspects, and no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered.
A GoFundMe Page has been set up in Xaviyar’s name. It can be found here.
When will such mindless, crazy violence come to an end? Rest in peace, Xaviyar … we hope you’re safe in the Lord’s arms now.
Share this article to honor this boy’s memory – and if you hope that we can forge a world where things like this don’t happen.
