Family, community honor 15-year-old Bronx teen killed in Kingsbridge shooting
Loved ones released blue and white balloons into the sky as they honored the teenager's life and called for justice in his death.
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Family, friends and community members gathered in Kingsbridge on Tuesday evening to remember 15-year-old Riley Billingslea, who was shot in the head and killed last week inside a Bronx apartment.
Loved ones released blue and white balloons into the sky as they honored the teenager's life and called for justice in his death.
Riley's grandmother, Elaine, fought back tears as she described the pain of losing her only grandchild.
"Riley was my love. I love my only grandson, my only grandchild," she said. "They really took something from me. And I am truly, truly missing this little boy."
Family members said Riley attended military school and had a promising future ahead of him.
Police say Riley was found with a gunshot wound to the head inside an apartment in Kingsbridge last Wednesday afternoon. A 13-year-old boy was also grazed by a bullet in the torso. Authorities are investigating Riley's death as a homicide.
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During the vigil, friends shared memories of Riley and expressed heartbreak over the loss.
"I know this person personally. This is a friend that I used to call my friend," one friend said, referring to the person he believes is responsible. "For you to do this to him now, it kills the soul. It kills my soul."
Riley's mother made an emotional plea for accountability.
"Turn yourself in and do right," she said. "Riley ain't never did nobody wrong."
Riley's funeral is scheduled for next week. His family is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact police.
