Vigil Held For Philadelphia Teen Shot, Killed Over Basketball Rivalry
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Southwest Philadelphia community came out in huge numbers Tuesday night for two vigils in memory of Tyhir Barnes.
The popular 15-year-old was gunned down around 10 p.m. Monday, after leaving a basketball game near 61st and Baltimore.
Hundreds gathered at the corner of 58th and Ellsworth, including several members of Tyhir's family.
"He was loved so much," said Tanisha Thomas, Tyhir's mother. "Everybody loves him. He was a good kid. He was so good. They took my baby from me. They took my baby son. They took him over something so stupid."
Police said another teen shot and killed Tyhir in retaliation for a fight after a game with a rival team last week.
Thomas took a moment from her sorrow to send a powerful message.
"They know who you are and we will find you and justice will be served," she said. "So I pray that everybody that was out there, if you know something, say something. Forget all of that snitches get stitches. That was my son, y'all friend."
The group then walked to 61st and Baltimore to a second vigil, on the basketball court where Tyhir spent so much of his free time.
His brother TraQuan Barnes and friends like brothers shared their memories of the aspiring rapper.
"Keep buying them shirts, keep playing that music y'all for real," TraQuan said. "Don't ever forget him, y'all.
Police are still looking for the shooter, who they believe is a young man between the ages of 15 to 18, from a rival basketball team.
Two friends walking with Tyhir Monday night were also shot.
A 14 year old was released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon and attended the vigils.
A 16 year old had surgery Tuesday morning and remains at Penn Presbyterian Hospital.
A representative for State Senator Anthony Williams, who represents the area where the shooting happened, announced Williams will pay for Tyhir's funeral expenses.
