AUBURN, Wash. — In the quiet streets of Auburn, a grieving mother is turning her pain into a plea for justice following the tragic death of her son, 16-year-old Xavier Landry, who was fatally shot last Friday night. Lonnisha Landry has embarked on a determined campaign across social media platforms, reaching out to the community to help track down the shooter responsible for her son’s death.
The incident, which occurred near a local Chevron gas station around 10:45 p.m., also left two other juveniles wounded; they were later treated at a hospital and released. As of now, the authorities have not released any information regarding a suspect, leaving the Landry family in agonizing uncertainty.
Lonnisha, standing beside a growing street-side memorial on A Street where her son was shot, expressed the turmoil she has been going through. “It’s a continuous rollercoaster of emotions,” she said. “Each day brings more questions than answers about why such a senseless act occurred.”
Auburn police confirmed that the three juveniles, including Xavier, were victims in the shooting and none were found to be carrying weapons at the time of the incident. This detail underpins the random and unprovoked nature of the attack, adding to the pain and frustration felt by Xavier’s family and friends.
Xavier, remembered fondly by his loved ones for his radiant smile and sometimes goofy personality, was also known for his positive influence on younger children. He was actively involved in mentoring youths affected by depression, and gang and gun violence, never condoning the use of firearms or violence.
“Xavier never promoted guns or harming others,” Lonnisha recalled. “He was about lifting people up, not bringing them down.” Despite his young age, he had become a beacon of positivity in a community often marred by violence.
In the wake of their loss, the family has launched a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses and support the healing process. The platform also serves as a space for the community and well-wishers to share memories of Xavier and offer condolences.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues with detectives combing through evidence and seeking information from the public. “Someone out there knows something,” Lonnisha stated. By continuously sharing her son’s story on social media, she hopes to keep Xavier’s memory alive and put pressure on those who have knowledge of the crime to come forward.
“This isn’t just about finding who killed my son. It’s about reminding them of the life they took, the potential they quashed,” she added. “They need to see his smile in their memories and understand the breadth of the pain they’ve caused.”
As the community reels from this tragedy, Lonnashia’s campaign underscores a mother’s relentless quest for justice and her unwavering love for her son. The Auburn police urge anyone with information about the shooting to step forward to help give closure to Xavier’s family and bring the perpetrator to justice.