JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The mother of a 16-year-old who was shot and killed at The Jacksonville Landing is speaking out against allegations that her son was a gang member.
Family and friends gathered at The Landing Tuesday afternoon for a vigil to remember Khamoi Petersen.
Petersen died and a 13-year-old is injured after shots were fired at the downtown Jacksonville entertainment complex on Monday.
His mom also placed a teddy bear near the spot where Petersen was found.
"He was going to graduate this year, he got a birthday in nine days," she said at the vigil.
She was angry about allegations from police and media outlets that her son was involved in gang activity.
Mother: says Her son went to the police officer for help before he was shot and killed. Says he WAS NOT a gang member. pic.twitter.com/SaZka6LtIO
— Letisha Bereola (@LetishaANjax) January 17, 2017
She said he saw something at The Landing before the shooting that caused him to go to officers for help.
Mom of teen killed in the shooting at The Jacksonville Landing is outraged that her son is being called a gang member. She says her son was an honor roll student who went to police for help right before shots rang out: http://bit.ly/2k1ie6G
Posted by Action News Jax on Tuesday, January 17, 2017
"He asked the police officer, he said he was in fear for his life," she said. "And they walked off on him."
She said as soon as the police walked away, gun shots rang out.
"If he was a gang member, why would he go to police?" she said. "If he was gang member he would have handled it on his own. So you've got to know he wasn't a gang member, because he went to authorities."
Friends of 16 year-old "KP" just gave me this picture of him with his mom. Everyone calls him their "little brother" pic.twitter.com/asYZeWz8Pz
— Letisha Bereola (@LetishaANjax) January 17, 2017
JSO said the shooting started as a fight, which escalated into gunfire. They said it's possible that the shooting was retaliation for the shooting during Art Walk on Jan. 4, just blocks away from The Landing.
Petersen's mom said her son was not at Art Walk that night.
Khamoi's sister, Karie Johnson, said Petersen never got into any trouble.
"Doesn't feel so real, doesn't feel so real," Johnson said.
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said the people involved in the shooting all knew each other.
Anyone who has any information about the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and receive a possible reward of up to $3,000.
Group is now praying. Words can't describe how angry & hurt this family is. 1.) their son is gone 2.) the gang label they say JSO put on him pic.twitter.com/PG7AedGSwx
— Letisha Bereola (@LetishaANjax) January 17, 2017
The balloons have been released for Khamoi Peterson. pic.twitter.com/XmtND4YmPE
— Letisha Bereola (@LetishaANjax) January 17, 2017
Action News Jax is following the story. Watch Action News Jax and follow us on Twitter @ActionNewsJax for the latest.
Khamoi Peterson's friends and family just arrived to the Jacksonville Landing. pic.twitter.com/qWW4jjNJSt
— Letisha Bereola (@LetishaANjax) January 17, 2017
Friends of 16 year-old "KP" just gave me this picture of him with his mom. Everyone calls him their "little brother" pic.twitter.com/asYZeWz8Pz
— Letisha Bereola (@LetishaANjax) January 17, 2017
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