MUSKEGON, Mich. — Family of a 17-year-old Muskegon boy shot and killed Saturday night have identified him as Naethon Sims, who they say was shot along with his brother and a friend.
The three teen boys were found shot and lying in a yard in the area of Isabella Avenue and Madison Street near Sheldon Park around 8 p.m. Saturday. Police said Sims' brother and his friend, both 18 years old, were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Sims’ mother, Kerri Sims, said her son had just celebrated his 17th birthday last week.
“That was my baby. He was taken too early. He didn’t bother anybody," she told FOX 17 on Sunday. "He always wanted to make people laugh, and he did. He was friends with everybody. He didn’t really have any enemies."
Family and friends of Sims gathered at a makeshift memorial Sunday night near the site where the teen was killed. During the candlelight vigil, attendees signed balloons, placed flowers and shared memories of Sims.
Sims' mother said she couldn't understand why the boys were targeted.
“Just put the guns down," she said. "Everyone wants to shoot. Just put the guns down.”
Police have not announced any arrests. Investigators said Saturday they were interviewing several witnesses and what they called "persons of interest."
