4 days ago
Family remembers Amillier Penn 1 year after shooting death
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Monday marks one year since 15-year-old Amillier Penn was in broad daylight while playing football with friends in southeast Grand Rapids.
For his father, Corey Penn, the pain and sense of loss is always there.
'It just reopened wounds for me,' he said. 'Not ever want to imagine where I'm at right now in life, would never want to imagine losing a child.'
It took nearly a year until the accused killer, 17-year-old Cartiyae Pascal, was charged with open murder. Police said they interviewed hundreds of people but few cooperated, leading to a much longer investigation.
Pascal has already been behind bars since last fall because he was with attempted murder in a different shooting. Pascal is being charged as an adult for Penn's death.
17-year-old charged with murder in shooting of 15-year-old in Grand Rapids
As the criminal case gets underway, Corey Penn is hoping for justice but notes that none of it will bring his son back.
'That's a forever stain on our entire family,' he said.
Those who knew Amillier Penn, known as Milli, came together Sunday evening to remember him with a celebration of life at Garage Bar in Grand Rapids.
Corey Penn wore a sweatshirt with Milli's name on it. Other supporters wore clothing with his face across the front and the words '4ever' across the back.
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'Such a loving child, an inspiration to so many people, so many children,' Corey Penn said. 'We're here as family and close friends to show our love and respect to Milli.'
A year later, Milli Penn's loved ones continue to wrap their arms around each other as they remember someone they say was one-of-a-kind.
'We're just gonna keep marching behind Milli,' Corey Penn said. 'We're gonna keep demanding justice, we're there. But when a conviction comes, that's when I'll be able to say justice has been served.'
'We love you, Milli,' he added. 'Always and forever.'
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