PORTSMOUTH, Va. — On Monday, a Portsmouth family filled with grief held a homegoing service for Keontre Thornhill, a beloved 10-year-old boy whose life was cut short due to gun violence.
Keontre was opening his bedroom window on Friday, April 26, when he was hit by a stray bullet, police say. The next day, police confirmed that he did not survive.
Police say a fight among teenagers outside the home, which is on Farragut Street, resulted in the gunfire that ended his young life.
WATCH: Loved ones of Keontre Thornhill grieve with his family during viewing service
Keontre's loved ones say he was a loving big brother who enjoyed playing outside, playing Fortnite and making breakfast for his family.
At the homegoing service, the community paid their final respects to the 10-year-old boy and honored him by wearing his favorite colors, red and white.
During the service, loved ones spoke from their broken hearts. Keontre's former teacher told News 3 his absence has been felt in school.
"The children are feeling the effects of his loss," said Joseph Williams, Keontre's third-grade teacher. "As adults, we are trying to stay strong for them but when you lose somebody who everybody loved at that age, it's a tremendous tragedy."
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Pastor Mike Roberts helped send off Keontre at the service. He says this little boy had so much promise.
"What kind of kid at 10 years old says 'I want to be able to start a business, I want to be able to help the community or help my family,' that's not your average 10-year-old boy," said Pastor Roberts. "I hope as a community, it galvanizes us to the point where we want to do something about it. We want to be able to hold our parents accountable because it starts with parents, it's not just our teens."
As Keontre's family and friends continue to grieve, they're voicing their frustrations over losing him to a senseless act of violence.
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"I wish we could take all the guns away," family friend Markaria Scott told us during Keontre's viewing service on Sunday.
Detectives are still looking for a person of interest, 26-year-old Cleon Deonte Banks. They charged 31-year-old Shawnday Nakisha Ross with contributing to the delinquency of a minor in connection to the incident.
If you or anyone you know has a tip that could lead police to an arrest you can submit it anonymously by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
