One Year After Teen's Death, Family Seeks Closure
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of the shooting death of a Twin Cities teenager.
Seventeen-year-old Alisha Neeley was hit by a stray bullet near 35th and Humboldt Avenues North in Minneapolis. Police haven't found the person who pulled the trigger.
One year later and Albert Neeley's pain seems to be as raw as the day he heard the news that his youngest daughter, Alisha, was the innocent victim of a shootout. She was gunned down while standing in a crowd of people outside a house party.
"It's frustrating. It's sad. What can I do," said Albert Neeley, Alisha's father.
On Sunday afternoon, he was able to share his grief with family and friends at a memorial dinner.
"I think it brought everybody together. That's what's important, support and just to remember her," said Helena Neeley, the victim's sister.
"To know there's that that many people that I didn't even know in my daughter's life that love her that much, it's really touching," said Kathleen Neeley, the victim's mother.
While their memories of Alisha may bond them, there are differences in how each family member will get closure.
"I'd like to see him do some time. I'd like this to be an example," said Kathleen.
"I don't want anyone to go to jail. I know, bold statement, right? Oh my gosh. I don't think that's justice. How is that justice for us? They lose someone and we lose someone," said Helena.
So far, the family has not dealt with that divide. Police still have not made an arrest.
But on the one-year anniversary of her death, justice for Alisha wasn't the focus. It was the life of a daughter, sister and friend.
"I do everything for the memory of my daughter," said Kathleen.
Minneapolis Police say the case is still open and under investigation. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest. The number for Crime Stoppers is 1-800-222-8477.
