LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Dozens of family and friends gathered to remember Martez Wade on Wednesday at the apartment complex where he was killed.
The 17-year-old high school junior was shot and killed just steps away from his family’s apartment on Glimmer Way last week.
"They took a brother, a son, a nephew, a grandson … they took everything from me,” said Mary Williams, Wade’s mother.
One by one, carrying balloons and candles, people touched by Wade showed up to pay their respects. A small blue and white colored memorial was started by the family’s front door.
"He was a good person, and he did not deserve to die,” Williams said.
Uncles, aunts, friends, teachers, co-workers and neighbors came together to honor his life.
"It was his junior year. He was a bright, young student,” said Bridget Barrett, Wade’s manager at work. “He lost his life for nothing. I mean, we're killing our own people."
Wade died in his mother’s arms right outside of their home.
“My whole life has been turned around,” Williams said. “My life is never going to be the same. It's never going to get easier. It's a pain in my heart that is never going to heal."
Those close to Wade hope answers about the murder will bring some healing to a grieving mother.
"I hope whoever done it can come forward and admit to this to where his family can get closure and justice, and his mom can get some peace,” Barrett said.
Williams said she wants to know why someone decided to kill her son. She said finding the killer will bring her closure and has a strong message for the shooter.
"Come forward. Turn yourself in,” she said. “You've like torn my soul away from me. Just turn yourself in. I want justice to be served."
The family needs help to give Wade a proper burial. If you would like to donate, click here.
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