VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A local business is lending support to the family of a 10-year-old boy killed by a stray bullet.
Keontre Thornhill died after a stray bullet hit him while inside his Portsmouth home on April 26. Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins called the young boy an innocent bystander.
“He was nice and loving," said 11-year-old Kariah, Keontre's sister.
Kariah describes her brother as a peacemaker who didn't get into trouble.
“Sometimes, he would come home and be like, ‘Mom, this person bullied me.’ Next day, he’d go to school, want to get cool with them, want to still be there friends even though they was bullying him," she said.
Days after Keontre was laid to rest, a business in a neighboring city is showing its support. Thursday evening, Superheroes Ice Cream in Virginia Beach held a fundraiser for Keontre's family.
“We want to do anything we can to help," said Coleman Ferguson, the ice cream shop owner.
Ferguson $1 from every ice cream sold Thursday night will go to Keontre’s family. Ferguson said he also plans to double the proceeds and donate it to the family.
Additionally, the Red Power Ranger stopped by to take photos and sign autographs, with all proceeds going to the family, too.
“I just want them to know I appreciate it -- for them doing it for my brother," Kariah said.
Keontre’s mother, Kevina Thornhill, shared a similar sentiment. While it was too difficult for her to attend tonight’s fundraiser she wanted to share the following message with the community:
"Please accept my deepest appreciation for your kindness and solidarity during this trying time. Your commitment to supporting me is truly admirable, and I am grateful for the community's unwavering backing. My 10-year-old son had many plans, and your efforts to stand with us in this difficult period are greatly appreciated."
Portsmouth police have charged one person in this case. Shawnday Ross, 31, is facing one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Detectives still need help finding a person of interest, 26-year-old Cleon Banks. Banks is not charged with anything, but detectives want to talk to him about the shooting.
If you know anything that can help police, call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.