Remembering Kylis Fagbemi: Brooklyn mass shooting victim laid to rest Friday
BALTIMORE -- Two and a half weeks ago, Baltimore experienced the worst mass shooting in the city's history: 30 people were shot and two of them killed.
Today, the family of Kylis Fagbemi laid him to rest and graciously invited WJZ to the emotional funeral service.
One of the pastors here says they want to uplift Fagbemi’s family and celebrate his life and honor what he meant to so many in his community. @wjz pic.twitter.com/4E8iUI6DP8
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) July 21, 2023
Fagbemi, 20, was a forklift operator at Amazon and Kohl's who had big dreams of becoming a traveling ultrasound technician. He had recently signed up for a certification course, according to his family.
His nickname was Mooka, and his family said he loved video games, music, motorcycles and playing with his dogs.
But his young life was cut short when he was shot and killed at a block party in Brooklyn Homes early in the morning on July 2nd.
At his funeral, his mother's cries filled the auditorium. She had to be steadied as she said her final goodbyes before the casket was closed.
"Family, friends, after this day Tamika is still going to need you," said one of the pastors as he addressed the crowd, many of them in tears.
"Kylis brought strangers, he brought family, he brought people into one place," another pastor told mourners.
While no public officials spoke, Governor Wes Moore wrote a letter extending condolences to the family that was read aloud. "We are with you and won't stop until you get justice and peace," it said.
Pastors spoke of overcoming adversity and seeking comfort in faith while acknowledging the pain of saying goodbye and noting that, "Better days are coming."
Aaliyah Gonzalez, 18, was killed that day, too. Her loved ones have also struggled with their loss.
WJZ has also profiled the doctors at Harbor Hospital who treated 19 of the shooting victims.
Fagbemi is survived by a daughter, his parents, sister, niece, aunts and cousins.
Police are still looking for other suspects ; the teen was taken into custody after a search warrant turned up evidence. Three victims remain hospitalized and the $28k reward still stands for information leading to more arrests. @wjz pic.twitter.com/bGOg1u03oy
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) July 7, 2023
Police have urged patience in the investigation and have yet to arrest and charge anyone with murder.
There is still a reward for information in the case that leads to an arrest. You can call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-Lockup.