MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A Minneapolis community came out to pay respect Wednesday to a 17-year-old boy who lost his life to gun violence.
Nehemiah Steverson was found dead near the intersection of 16th and Newton Avenue North early Sunday morning. He had been shot in his stomach.
Hundreds packed a vigil at the North Commons basketball court to remember Steverson.
Family members were there to ask the community for information that may lead to his killer.
“It’s just senseless what happened to my son,” said Randy Donnerson.
He says it’s hard to believe his oldest son is gone.
“Oh my God, I am lost for words for what happened to my son,” Donnerson said.
Hundreds packed the basketball courts, they all came to celebrate Nehemiah’s life.
“Everybody loved him,” Nehemiah said. “He was just a great kid. He was funny, he was active, he was good with his sisters and brothers. You know, he was just an all-around good kid to me.”
Stories of how Steverson helped others and made people laugh were shared.
Minneapolis Police had a heavy presence in the park. Before the vigil was over a fight broke out.
Police used pepper spray to get the crowd under control.
“These kids need to really realize what’s going on in their lives,” Donnerson said. “And realize that the bad in their life…is not good.”
The melee was upsetting for family members.
Mad Dads was collecting funds to help the family with funeral expenses when the fight changed the focus of the vigil.
One grieving father said that all he wants is justice and for the violence to stop.
“Need to get a grip on the kids, because senseless stuff like this shouldn’t happen,” Donnerson said.
Investigators are looking to speak with anyone with information about this shooting.
One person did come forward to speak with homicide investigators. That person was questioned, and so far no arrest have been made.
Investigators need more witnesses to share what they know to solve this case.
Minneapolis Police don’t believe the shooting was gang related.
