WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — A Warner Robins family is mourning the loss of 19-year-old Demarion Harris, who was shot and killed in the Huntington Hills subdivision last week.
Family and friends hosted a balloon release Friday in his honor as they started on the path toward healing. Police say Harris' alleged killer, Anthony Jones, is still on the run. As they prepare for Harris' funeral, his family is begging for justice and asking for answers.
"I want justice for my kid, for my child," Shanonda King, Harris' mother, said.
King says Harris inspired his younger siblings daily and was a huge help in looking after them. His aunt, Jan King, says Harris' humor was enough to make anyone laugh.
"He was a gentle giant. We called him Bubba. He was always laughing and keeping it so that everyone was happy," Jan King said.
She says Harris was always there to lend a hand when she needed one.
"He always helped me around the house," Jan King said.
Dozens gathered at Deloris Toliver Park in Warner Robins to release blue and white balloons in Harris' memory. They chose white to honor him and white to represent justice they're sure will be theirs. Harris' family was there, along with countless friends. There were plenty of hugs and an outpouring of emotions. Harris' cousin, Tyler White, offered up a prayer.
"Pray for peace. Gun violence must stop in our community. I'd like to say a prayer for my family. I wish we'd get together more. I'd like to say a prayer for the kids," White prayed.
Harris' mother had a message for anyone associated with her son's death: "I feel like you all took a part of me from me, and my kids also."
Harris' family asks anyone with information to call Warner Robins Police at (478) 302-5380. You can also call Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME.
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