MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) – An urgent appeal comes from the family of the 12-year-old boy who was tragically shot and killed in Prichard Sunday night.
According to investigators, Smoke died from a single gunshot wound on Snyder Drive.
His family has identified the 12-year-old victim as Cle’Tavion Leshawn Smoke. His brother, 16-year-old J’yquavious Hill, is wanted for manslaughter, according to police.
Lasondra Hill, the boys’ mother, says she is experiencing double grief. She lost her 12-year-old son to gunfire and now she says her 16-year-old son is missing.
“It hurts me on both sides. I want my oldest baby and I want my baby who died. And my oldest baby – he made me a mother. The love I have for him – it’s deep. It’s my firstborn – that’s my first heart there. I just can’t imagine what’s going on in his head,” she said. “I haven’t slept. I’ve barely eaten. I just want my children. I want my oldest… I want my baby.”
“My nephew – he just loved playing basketball, playing games – he loved the PlayStation and stuff like that. He was just a very happy person,” added Jamaya Richardson, Cle’Tavion’s aunt.
Authorities said they had also interviewed other relatives but could not release further information as the investigation was still ongoing.
Hill says J’yquavious is the oldest of her 10 children.
“I don’t hate him – I love him unconditionally and I want him to turn himself in so he can tell his side of the story. I just can’t imagine what’s going on in his head. I know he’s scared,” she said.
As Hill prepares to bury one of her sons, she has a serious message for the other.
“I just want you to turn yourself in – wherever you are – and come to me. And I’ll deliver you. Mommy’s got you – come home, honey. I’m not mad at you, baby. I love you, baby. They need to hear your side of the story, because whatever your side of the story is – that’s what I believe. That’s what I believe,” Hill said.
Mobile County Chaplain Patrick Munnerlyn says the family is raising money for funeral expenses. Donations can be made to Metropolitan Funeral Directors at 2463 Commercial Park Drive. You can also contact Chaplain Munnerlyn at 856-669-8560.
The family will also hold a vigil for Cle’Tavion this Sunday at 6 p.m. at 3531 Synder Drive. Guests are asked to bring candles and balloons in his memory.
FOX10 News reached out to Prichard Police on Thursday and investigators say there is no update in the investigation at this time.
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