Authorities say at around 6:48 p.m. on Monday, police responded to the 6500 block of North Smedley Street, where they found the 13-year-old suffering multiple gunshot wounds to his head and face.
The boy was rushed to Einstein Hospital where authorities say he was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m. Monday night. On Tuesday, police identified the teen as Jeremiah Wilcox. Now, his family is speaking out about the life lost too soon. "I just keep his name alive. Just know Jeremiah was a goofy, loving kid," said Katrina Ball, Jeremiah’s stepmother. "He didn’t do anything but just love, love his family."Jeremiah was an 8th grade student from Wagner Middle School. Police say he was just hanging out with his friends before he was shot and killed.
Friends and family of Jeremiah say they want people to know that he isn’t just a statistic, but that he was a young, curious boy with aspirations, just like any 13-year-old. "He was original," said Jeremiah’s cousin, Isaiah Copeland. "You know he was himself. He was very outgoing, just so charismatic, you know? He loved sports, he loved to hang out, he loves just to be funny, you know?"14-year-old Nicholas Elizalde was shot and killed near Roxborough High School"We’re very concerned. It’s egregious, it’s unacceptable, and we can do better. We’ve got to do better," said Philadelphia School District Superintendent, Tony Watlington.