Murder victim's mother calls for change

Posted at: 08/28/2012 4:37 PM | Updated at: 08/28/2012 6:32 PM
By: Amanda Ciavarri | WHEC.com

Max King’s mother says she forgives the person who shot and killed her 15-year-old son last week, but she wants them to do the right thing and turns themselves in.

News10NBC has learned when calling hours and the funeral will be for King. Calling hours will be from 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. at the Metropolitan Funeral Chapels on West Avenue. The funeral will be Friday at 11:00a.m. at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church on Joseph Avenue.

King’s mother, Michelle Clinkscales, is still in shock and says this week has been incredibly long and emotionally draining. She says she is tired of having to be strong for everyone and just wants to break down most days. But when News10NBC spoke to her, she made it clear; she doesn’t want her son’s death to be in vain. 

Clinkscales said, “Maybe God chose him to turn this whole thing around.” 

Max King was 15-years-old and was just days away from starting the tenth grade at Jefferson High School. 

Police say the shooting happened at the corner of North Goodman and Short Streets. News10NBC obtained security camera video from a corner store across the street from where King was shot Wednesday night. Seconds after the gunshot rang out, the video shows three people running from the scene, one person is on a bike. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, Rochester Police say there is no update in the investigation. 

Clinkscales said, “I hope who ever did this turns themselves in.” 

Clinkscales says she hopes her son’s death is an eye-opener for the community. 

Clinkscales said, “If we can get one person to take something from this, then it's not in vein. But the violence has to stop. It just has to stop. The no snitching thing has to stop. It has to stop.” 

Last Thursday night, a vigil was held in King’s honor. 

Clinkscales said, “Over 300 people came out and it was very touching. I hope that this doesn't just stop with his vigil. I want it to continue. You know I want to try to get across to some of these kids, put the guns down, put them down.” 

While Clinkscales has faith something positive will come from this tragedy, she says it is all slowly starting to hit her.

Clinkscales said, “I just can't believe somebody took my baby. I can't believe somebody took my baby, my baby.”

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