ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Friends, family and many others were brought together Wednesday night to remember a 14-year-old boy who was shot and killed over the weekend. They gathered on the street corner where the attack took place.
“Know one thing for sure, he’s still here," said Julius Greer Sr., the victim's father. "He got to sit here and see all of that, the love people got for him out in these streets.”
Julius Greer Jr. was walking to the store at the corner of North and Herald streets for groceries Sunday when he was shot and killed, according to police. It is Rochester’s first homicide of 2022.
It came not long after the city set a grim record in 2021 with 81 homicides, more than any other year in Rochester’s history.
“He loved going fishing, loved his brothers and sisters, loved baked macaroni and cheese," said Greer Sr. "Loved his little girlfriend.”
Executive Director Wanda Ridgeway of Rise Up Rochester attended the candlelight vigil to offer her support. It was a scene she says she’s seen too many times.
“I’m angry. I’m pissed off," said Ridgeway. "I’m suffering a lot of emotions right now. I’m tired. I’m tired of all the talking. It’s time to put some work in.”
Julius’ father says he wants answers.
“If it was your child, your mom, your brother, your sister, you would want somebody to come forward," he said. "And I hope whoever did this is watching, I hope it’s eating you up something crazy. Know that.”
Greer Sr. also says the violence has to stop. He believes love is the answer.
“It was one of the best feelings I could’ve gotten out of this whole thing, with all the love everybody came out and showed my son," said Greer. "Thank y’all. A million, million, billion times for coming out and showing the love you showed tonight.”