GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — A Grand Rapids father shares his grief after losing his son after a shooting on New Year’s Day.
He says to FOX 17 16 year old Joseph Ivory Jr. A boy was shot dead shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day.
Joseph Ivery Sr. says family and friends say “Joe Joe” died in Blaine and Boston on the southeast side of town.
“The last thing I knew was that my son was pronounced dead two minutes after twelve,” Ivery Sr. said.
Joe Joe is Ivery Sr.’s only son and is incredibly heartbroken and hoping someone will give him an answer.
“I just want to know why. I want to know why someone had to take my son. I want to know why,” Ivery Sr. told FOX 17.
Your neighbor may know the answer to who killed Jo Jo. Karrie Wieck caught a gunshot on her home security system.
“It was two full SUVs, and it looked like a pickup truck backing up the street.
Week says he was standing next to Jo Jo during his final moments.
“This child had no reason to die. I don’t know the child. I don’t know his family. But no child deserves to die,” said Vik.
Joseph’s father says his son got into trouble recently.
“Joe Jo has had a good life. He didn’t get along with anyone and joined a gang. He joined a gang. And I truly believe my son was killed by another gang member.” Ivery Sr. said.
The father said his son recently finished probation and is trying to turn his life around. He added that Jo Jo wanted to focus on his 10-month-old son.
“He wanted to get away from everything else. And there were many times he called me and said, ‘Dad, I want you to pick me up.’ I can’t walk home. I can’t walk home. So I really believe that his enemies, those enemies, and I were the ones who killed my son,” said Ivery Sr.
This father doesn’t want anyone else to go through this pain, so he asks the family to talk to the children.
“Look at your son. Check his room. “We all need to live a happy life, not a sad one. Look, I’m hurt. I’m hurt. I’m hurt for my son,” added Ivery Sr. rice field.
A Grand Rapids Public Schools spokesperson confirmed to FOX 17 that Jo Jo is a student at Ottawa Hills High School.
family created GoFundMe page For those who want to pay for funeral expenses.
FOX 17 has contacted Grand Rapids police. We will provide an update once the autopsy is complete. Anyone with information about this shooting should contact the police or silent observers.
Editor’s Note: Family members have told FOX 17 that the victim’s last name is Ivory and the father’s last name is Ivery.
FOLLOW FOX 17: Facebook – twitter – Instagram – YouTube
