BROWNS SUMMIT, N.C. — On Nov. 25, around 12:25 p.m., Greensboro police found Samad Johnson Jr.'s body on the side of Yanceyville Road. Police say he was shot and killed and found his body on an embankment near Kingfisher Trail. On Sunday, several members of Samad Johnson's family released balloons to honor his young life and called on the people who shot him to face the full force of justice.
"To hear how many times they shot him is just crazy. Like they used a lot of force to kill my little nephew. It's just like ruthless. So even to imagine it mouth full of blood, bullet in the forehead. It's just, it's too much," Jeanelle Williams, Samad's aunt, said.
Greensboro police say Samad Johnson was found shot and killed on Yanceyville Road last week. His body was left on an embankment near Kingfisher Trail with at least one gunshot wound. Police have not released any more details.
"I was hurt, I was crushed. I couldn't believe it," Williams said.
Several family members came to the site to release balloons to remember him and honor the 18-year-old. People biking on the nearby trail even stopped by to give their condolences and offered to pray for the family.
"It just really stuck out when he asked his name because I felt like he's really gonna say a prayer when he asked for his name and everything. Um because we definitely need prayer at this time," Shanelle McNair, Samad's cousin, said.
Samad's family describes him as a funny, lovable, and kind soul. He had a passion for music and brought joy to those around him. Jeanelle Williams says she last spoke with Samad at her sister's birthday party.
"He called her to see what she was doing and she was with me. And so I was able to tell him I love him, yeah," Williams said, choking up.
Now, his family is left devastated, mourning the dreams Samad will never fulfill. They are united in their demand for justice, determined to ensure that his death does not go unanswered.
"He was 18. Like we were hoping, you know, you get a long life so it's sad, you know, the violence in the city in the country period but you, you don't expect nothing like that," McNair said.
"We definitely want justice and we'll be following until we get it," Williams said.
Greensboro police are still searching for the suspect in Johnson's killing. It marked the 40th homicide in Greensboro so far this year, down significantly from this time last year which sat at 67. Police ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers.
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