SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The New Year began with tragedy for a Sacramento County family as they mourned the loss of a 10-year-old boy who was fatally shot, allegedly by another 10-year-old. The victim, Keith “KJ” Frierson, had just received a new bike for Christmas and went outside to play when he was approached by the other boy, who then allegedly retrieved a gun from his father’s vehicle and shot KJ before fleeing into a nearby apartment. The police found KJ unresponsive and bleeding from the head and neck, and despite life-saving measures, he did not survive.
This heartbreaking incident sheds light on the grim reality of gun violence in America, especially among young children. The suspected shooter’s father, identified as Arkete Davis, allegedly attempted to dispose of the gun by putting it in a trash can, and the authorities believe the firearm was stolen. The suspected shooter, whose name was withheld due to his age, was arrested on suspicion of murder, while his father faced charges related to firearm possession, theft, and endangerment.
KJ’s family lamented the tragedy and accused the suspected shooter’s family of attempting to cover up the crime by changing the boy’s clothes. The grieving family also emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership and parental oversight, calling for accountability and proper education to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
As the community mourns the loss of KJ, a GoFundMe campaign was set up to assist with funeral expenses and has already made significant progress toward its goal. The heartbreaking loss of a young life to gun violence underscores the urgent need for responsible firearm storage and education to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In less than 48 hours, the GoFundMe account for KJ has received nearly $9,000 in donations, demonstrating the community’s support for the grieving family. The tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence, especially when it involves young children.