Family wants answers after man killed outside corner store

ATLANTA — Family and friends gathered Saturday to hold a vigil for a man killed in southwest Atlanta as police searched for clues in the case.

Dozens filled Fletcher Street with candles and balloons to honor JaCarlos Jeffries, 18.

Atlanta police said someone shot and killed Jeffries while he stood in front of a corner store just before 10 p.m. Thursday.

"They took my best friend. They took my life when they took my son," said the victim's mother, Johnya Lewis.

Lewis said she remembers the last thing her son said to her before he died.

"(He said), 'I'll be back,' (and) went out the door, not knowing my son wasn't coming back," she said.

Atlanta police handed out flyers with reward information, hoping someone has information.

Jeffries' family said they were excited to celebrate his 19th birthday next Friday.

"To have to plan for a burial for my son, instead of a birthday, that's the hardest thing a parent should ever endure," Lewis said.

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Jeffries leaves behind a 1-year-old son. His family said that whoever killed him did not take any money and they don't know why they wanted him dead.

"Be man enough to turn yourself in. Give me and my family peace. Give me justice," said the victim's grandmother, Pamela Jones.

The family has set up a GoFundMe if you would like to help.

Anyone with information on the case can call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.

Cox Media Group