WESTCHESTER, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Days after 7-year-old Jai’Mani Amir Rivera was shot and killed on Chicago's Near West Side last week, Jai’Mani’s family and friends remembered the little boy with a celebration of his life.
About 100 people gathered in the western suburbs to remember Jai’Mani with an electronic billboard that featured his name and photos. Lucy Berrios, his aunt, spoke to WBBM Newsradio.
“We purchased the billboard over here on Cermak and First as a tribute to JR, who was recently gunned down,” she said. “We’re out here with family and friends for support, and we’re doing a balloon release for him, to celebrate his life.”
Berrios described Jai’Mani as “the most loving kid you could have ever come across.
“He was so full of joy,” she said.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder over Jai’Mani’s killing.
“We just want to say: Long live Jaimani; justice for Jaimani,” Berrios said. “JR, we love you, and we will forever keep your name alive.”
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