Friend’s Heartfelt Tribute to Woolwich Murder Victim Kelyan Bokassa
A vigil was held for Kelyan Bokassa, a 14-year-old murder victim, as friends remember his pure heart and call for action against youth violence
Woolwich, Kelyan Bokassa, London, Youth Violence, Vigil
Woolwich: A friend of Kelyan Bokassa, the 14-year-old who was tragically killed, shared a touching tribute. Kelyan was remembered for his pure heart during a vigil held in his honor.
On a bus in Woolwich, Kelyan lost his life, and it hit everyone hard. Friends gathered at St Mary Magdalene Church to pay their respects. It was a somber evening, with about 40 people showing up to remember him.
They brought flowers and shared tears, taking moments of silence between readings and music. One of Kelyan’s friends spoke up, saying he was always there for others and had a fun-loving spirit.
He even joked about Kelyan’s love for food, which lightened the mood a bit. The vigil included prayers and readings about protecting young people, led by local clergy and an anti-knife campaigner.
Faron Paul, the campaigner, urged local leaders to provide long-term support for those affected by violence. He emphasized that youth violence creates a cycle that’s hard to break.
Another attendee, who didn’t know Kelyan personally, expressed her shock and trauma over the incident. Kelyan’s mother shared her heartbreak, revealing that her son had been groomed by gangs after running away from care.
Mary Bokassa described how her son had been missing for a year, living on the streets, and when he returned, he was in a bad state. She felt he had been through a lot and was not the same boy she once knew.
The community is still reeling from Kelyan’s death, especially since another teenager was killed nearby just months earlier. The police are investigating but haven’t found any links between the two cases.
They’re asking anyone with information to come forward, hoping to shed light on this tragic event. It’s a tough time for everyone, and the call for change is louder than ever.