Councilmember John Kennedy: If You Know Who Shot Pasadena Teenager, Turn Him In

Saturday morning Pasadena District 3 Councilmember John Kennedy was joyously handing out free Thanksgiving turkey meals to local residents at Jackie Robinson Recreational Center and the holiday spirit was palpable in the festive atmosphere.

But by evening, Kennedy and thousands of community members were grieving the murder of a 13-year-old boy who was killed by a stray bullet that flew in a window as the teenager played video games in his bedroom —just blocks from Kennedy’s earlier turkey giveaway.

“We have lost an innocent life in Pasadena. This life was bright and precious; this  young teenager had joy and purpose, and the future belonged to him,” Kennedy said mournfully in a statement Sunday.

The shooting occurred in Kennedy’s council district.

Police said the investigation is in its early stages and no suspect description is yet available to issue to the public. No motive for the shooting is known.

““We believe that these rounds were not intended for anybody inside that home, but we need more to confirm that,” Chief of Police John Perez said Sunday.

In a public statement, Kennedy addressed the killer.

“To the person who thought so little of all of us to fire a gun in our neighborhood  and take this young life: the consequence of your thoughtless action is grief and  suffering beyond words. Turn yourself in.”

Then Kennedy addressed the community at large.

“To anyone who was with him: turn him in. To anyone who knows who he is: turn him in.”

“It does not matter if this man is black, brown or white. It does not matter if he is in a gang or a lone wolf. It does not matter if he is young or old. Turn him in.”

“As diverse peoples and diverse communities, we must stand up and stand together.  Justice must be done; it is up to us to speak out and not remain silent.”

“If you know something, say something. Turn him in and end this madness.”

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call Pasadena Police at (626)- 744-4241 or report information anonymously by calling “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.