Family members and supporters came together Sunday to discuss teen violence and hold a fundraiser for a 12-year-old South Florida boy who was shot and killed in his own bedroom earlier this month.
The family of Anthony Alejandre held the program at the Koinonia Worship Center in Hallandale Beach to raise funds for his burial and raise awareness about the dangers of teen violence.
Alejandre was shot inside his Deerfield Beach home on Oct. 11, and later died at the hospital. 17-year-old Jose Torres is charged with attempted manslaughter in the shooting.
Torres allegedly lied to police about the shooting, telling them Alejandre had shot himself, then changing his story and saying he pointed a gun at the boy and pulled the trigger, but didn't know it was loaded.
Alejandre's family said Sunday they hoped to open more eyes to teen violence.
"I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight for really getting involved in this," said a tearful Esmeralda Alejandre, Anthony's sister. "This was a big loss for us, but if we can help others realize what these kids are doing we'll be glad to do it."
Also coming to give the family comfort were teen burn victim Michael Brewer, his parents and his grandmother, Reenie Brewer, who has become an outspoken opponent against teen violence in South Florida.
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She told the crowd assembled that putting an end to violence begins with adults.
"I have a big responsibility in my kingdom, I'm the boss in my kingdom, and if I don't teach everybody what they're supposed to be doing and how they're supposed to be behaving, whose fault is it?" Reenie Brewer said.
Most of the money raised Sunday will go towards Anthony Alejandre's cremation. The remaining funds will go towards the Anthony Alejandre Anti-Violence Fund.
