Mother of Fayetteville teen killed at house party: 'He was so loved'
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Just three days after a shooting at a Fayetteville house party left 18-year-old Harryson Anderson dead, police have charged a 17-year-old suspect with first-degree murder.
For the first time, Anderson's family is speaking publicly about the tragedy and their immeasurable loss.
"The young lady who sat by his side when he was on the ground, I don't know her name, but I thank her because she was there to console him when I could not console him," said Nina Anderson, Harryson's mother, her voice trembling as she remembered her only son.
Nina Anderson recounted their final conversation. "I spoke to him at 11 o'clock, and I said be safe, Harryson, you guys be safe. He told me, 'We're safe. I'm just at IHOP, we're eating some food."
It would be the last time she spoke to him.
According to Nina, Harryson, a freshman at Fayetteville Technical Community College who dreamed of a career in cybersecurity, was enjoying his spring break when he and two friends decided to attend the house party. She said an argument broke out, and Harryson tried to de-escalate the situation before being shot in the back as he walked away.
I want my son to be remembered for the courage that he had, for the light that he showed.- Julian Anderson
"He was trying to contact me as he got shot; it just reached my heart. I called back, and I didn't get an answer," Nina said.
The loss has deeply affected the Anderson family.
"I would always look him right in the eye and say, you know, if you ever need anything, I'm here for you. That was my thing as his older sister, I wanted him to know I will be there his whole life," said Desirrae Harris, Harryson's sister.
Harryson's father, Julian Anderson, expressed his gratitude for the community and police response.
"I'd like to thank the Fayetteville PD for their execution and their effort and their timeliness, and their diligence on the case," he said.
Fayetteville Police credited residents for helping lead to the arrest of Justice Miller, who is charged with first-degree murder. Miller is being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center without bond.
The Anderson family hopes Harryson will be remembered for his courage and kindness.
"I want my son to be remembered for the courage that he had, for the light that he showed," Julian Anderson said.
"I would have loved to have been there his last hours, but he was so loved," Nina added.
His older sister Olivia was in the room during the interview, sitting quietly on the side. She could not speak because of her grief.
Nina said she now hopes to create a foundation in Harryson's name.
