Six teens have been arrested in connection with a fatal July shooting of a 16-year-old in North Carolina, the Wilson Times reports.
The victim, Luis Flores-Bravo, was shot to death at a Speedway convenience store on July 20. Flores-Bravo was in high school and a cadet in the Junior ROTC.
Authorities on Friday announced that they believe six people are responsible for the killing. Five of them have been identified:
– Shyheim Smiles, 18
– Keydrick R. Parker, 18
– Jahkil Jones, 18
– Corey Williams Jr, 17
– Shaiheim R. Murray, 16
A 15-year-old also was arrested and is being held at a juvenile detention facility, Wilson Police Sgt. Steve Stroud said. All six are facing charges of first-degree murder and attempted robbery.
Investigators have not disclosed a motive for the slaying. Members of Flores-Bravo’s family have said he was simply an innocent bystander and would often buy snacks at the store because it was close to his home, which he shared with his parents.
The shooting occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. Responding officers found Flores-Bravo injured from a gunshot wound. Efforts to save him were not successful and authorities pronounced him dead at the scene.
Rachel Mondragón, Flores-Bravo’s aunt, told the newspaper that the family has been praying for justice over the last three months, which have been filled with grief.
Mondragón said her nephew was selfless and prioritized others before himself. She said she’s hopeful the arrests will offer some closure.
“We are still trying to live without him,” Mondragón said, crying. “We are still grieving and still holding on to our faith in God. . . . They took the life of Luis and we know he’s in a better place.”
She added that the family is grateful police did not stop investigating, and that they also are praying for the perpetrators and their relatives.
“We feel sorry for the parents of the teenagers,” Mondragón said. “They are also going to go through a loss.”
[Feature Photo: Luis Flores-Bravo/Family Handout]
