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Vigil held for the teen who was shot and killed while raking leaves

Jayz Agnew was shot and killed on November 8. The 8th grader was in his family's front yard raking leaves. No arrests have been made.

TEMPLE HILLS, Md. — A vigil was held for Jayz Agnew Friday night outside of his home in Temple Hills, Maryland.

The 13-year-old was shot while raking leaves outside his family's home on November 8. The vigil was the first time his parents, Antoine and Juanita Agnew, had returned to the home since the death of their only son.

"It's tough, it's tough, everyday is a challenge. One day at a time" said Juanita Agnew, his mother.

During Friday's vigil, his father recalled the moments leading up to his son's death. They had both been working in the yard, Jayz was raking the leaves and Antoine was using the leaf blower. Antoine headed inside for a moment, but first said this to Jayz "when you finish come get me and then I'll show you how to use this leafblower". 

Moments later, his son was on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. Three days later, he passed away.

"I'll never get to teach him how to use the leaf blower" his father told the crowd outside his home on Friday.

Those who attended the vigil Friday night held candles, balloons and shared memories of Jayz. Some wore shirts with Jayz's face on it and wore #J4J pins, which stands for Justice For Jayz. 

Several families who've also lost their children to gun violence were at the vigil to support the Agnews.

"This is a group of parents I never wanted to join," said Juanita. As she wiped away tears, she told the crowd "I see parents walking around with t-shirts attributed to their children. Never thought that one day that would be me".

She told WUSA9 that she not only hopes for justice for her son, but for change and an end to gun violence.

"At this point we just got to come together and try to find justice and put an end to the gun violence" said Agnew.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered by Prince George's County Police for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. 

The Agnews have also created a GoFundMe page to raise money for both legal and investigative expenses as they seek justice for their teenage son.

   

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