Mason Jenkins, Burlington, North Carolina 7 year old boy shot and killed by stray bullet during argument between Tremaine Armstrong and Kemontae Crosby while sitting outside apartment complex.
A Burlington, North Carolina mother has called for justice following the death of her 7 year old son who passed away early Sunday morning after being struck by a stray bullet three days earlier while playing outside at an apartment complex.
Police say the boy’s shooting death follows from an argument two men, Tremaine Armstrong, 18, and Kemontae Crosby, 21, were having, which led to shots being fired and 7-year-old Mason Jenkins being ‘critically’ struck, as a bystander.
Prior to the boy’s death, Armstrong was charged with attempted murder and discharging a weapon in an occupied building, and Crosby was charged with accessory after the fact, WFMY2 reported.
Call to action to address gun violence
They are being held without bond pending a hearing on Monday, according to jail records.
Just after 1am, Sunday morning, Burlington police confirmed the passing of 7-year-old Mason, who they say was shot while sitting outside his apartment on Beaumont Court Thursday evening.
Read a released statement by the Burlington Police Department:
‘On Thursday night a 7-year-old little boy, sitting outside his apartment, was senselessly shot as a bystander. Today, we learned that his injuries were too severe to survive and he died this morning. Our deepest sympathies are with the family and everyone affected by this act of violence. We share the heartbreak of this news along with our community. As your police department, we are committed to holding those responsible for this crime accountable and the investigation to gather every available fact is ongoing. Our community needs every person who saw what happened to step forward, do what’s right, and contact the police department. Our hearts are with the family, and we promise to do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.’
The Burlington community is asking for prayers and a call to action to stop gun violence.
‘I just want justice for my baby,’
In the aftermath of Mason’s untimely death, the boy is being remembered as a friend to everyone he met.
‘I just want justice for my baby,’ the boy’s mother, Ashley Welcher told WXII12.
‘He was a sweet, precious little baby, you know, just happy, go lucky,’ Welcher told the outlet. ‘He was just very loving. That was my baby, just taken way too soon.’
On Sunday, neighbors at the Beaumont Avenue Apartments held a vigil for Mason, who had only lived in the apartment complex for four months.
‘A lot of people really love Mason,’ said Ashley. ‘You can’t help but to love Mason. He just wanted to go outside and play and be a kid, and he couldn’t even do that.’
Amid the ongoing investigation, Burlington police have urged anyone and everyone with information on the case to call investigators.
The family has started a GoFundMe to support Mason’s mother and his two siblings.
