Police identify teen shot to death in Fayetteville
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fayetteville police have identified a teenager gunned down while on his way to a sweet 16 birthday party Saturday night.
They say 16-year-old Joseph Braxton III was killed in the 5000 block of Randleman Street.
The call of shots fired came in around 10:30 p.m. When investigators arrived, they found the teen already dead.
"I heard the gunshots. I saw the red Adidas sweater, and I knew who it was," said Darrell James, who said he was Braxton's best friend.
James said he had just talked to Braxton a block away about going to the birthday party, and heard the shots ring out.
"I was running toward the gun shots. I was still running toward the gun shots, cause I know he would have done the same for me," said James.
Residents on Randleman Street who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting said Braxton was still alive and trying to move. But they said by the time help arrived, it was too late.
A memorial of candles, teddy bears, and messages was set up on the spot where he died. Friends said Braxton was a student at Seventy-First High School and was the youngest of five siblings. A candlelight vigil was planned on Randleman Street for 6:00 p.m. Monday.
Detectives are seeking information about three suspects who were seen fleeing the area in a dark SUV after the shooting.
Anyone with information concerning the homicide or the identity of the suspect(s) is asked to contact Detective J. Walker with the Fayetteville Police Department at (910) 237-9391 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). Crimestoppers information can also be submitted by visiting http://www.fay-nccrimestoppers.org/send_a_tip.aspx and completing the anonymous online tip sheet or by text-a-tip on your mobile device by sending a message to 274637 (in the text box type "4Tip" followed by your message).
