Family, friends to say goodbye to Max King

Posted at: 08/31/2012 7:23 AM | Updated at: 08/31/2012 5:59 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com

Friends, family and even complete strangers gathered to say a final goodbye to a young boy murdered last week.

It was the 25^th murder of the year in Rochester and one of the most difficult. Max King was only 15 years old when he was shot and killed more than a week ago. He is the youngest murder victim this year. 

The teenager was killed near the intersection of North Goodman and Short Street. On Friday, more than 100 people said their final goodbyes.

It was a moving ceremony. It was full of tears, powerful speeches and still a lot of unanswered questions. 

Nina Beacoats didn’t know 15-year-old Max King and she doesn’t even know his family. But she knows the pain of losing a child all too well. 

Beacoats said, “We shut our doors and we chose our blinds and we make pretend we don’t know what’s going on until it knocks on our door and then we cry for help.” 

Beacoats was there to help comfort the King family, as many did for her when her son was killed eight years ago. More than 100 people said their final goodbyes to the young boy, all sharing the same pain, the same thoughts, the same question, why? 

Deshawn Smith, Rochester Rams teammate, said, “How can you take someone’s life if they didn’t do anything to you. Or how can you take someone’s life because they were walking their cousin to the bus stop and going back home?” 

Max King’s death shattered the King family and their entire community, but his fellow Rochester Rams teammate refuse to let this tragedy tear them apart. 

Smith said, “To us, we’re like brothers, all together.” 

Reginald Frederick, Rochester Rams, said, “It makes me feel like I want something better in life. To spend more time with family than out on the streets and things like that. Max did not deserve this.”

These young minds are still trying to cope with the fact that Max won’t be on the field with them next season. They say teenagers shouldn’t have to say goodbye at this age. They hope other teens can learn from this senseless tragedy. 

Smith said, “Cherish life more and be thankful that you have someone who loves you at home.”

Frederick said, “Life is too short so live it while you can. Go to school. Get an education. Stay with family.”

Police say there are no new updates to report in the case. They are still investigating. They are turning to the community for help. If you have any information about this incident, you are urged to call Rochester Police. 

Also, Reverend Britt Pledger, who has assisted many local families affected by violence, says photographers from Germany are documenting this murder and also other incidents from earlier this year.

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