Family mourns 14-year-old shot in head in Sanford

SANFORD, N.C. (WTVD) -- The family of a 14-year-old found dead on a front porch describes the young man as caring and protective.

Sanford Police Department said the shooting happened shortly before 9 p.m. on July 21 at a home on McIver Street.

Wise Johnson, 14, was recovering from a recent knee surgery and hoping to get back to walking without assistance in the coming week.

However, he would never get that opportunity.

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Instead, a 15-year-old boy fired a single bullet into Johnson's head, killing him.

"He never got a chance to truly live his life to the fullest. He has left his parents, siblings and two nieces behind," his sister Emma Johnson said.

The 15-year-old was quickly caught and taken to a secure juvenile custody facility. He faces criminal charges related to murder and possession of a firearm by a minor.

Further details about if or how the two teens knew each other have not been released.

GoFundMe officials are promoting the fundraiser created by Johnson's sister to help the family cover funeral expenses and life after this tragedy.

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