‘Very playful, full of joy’: Family members remember life of 3-year-old killed in Buffalo shooting

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Three-year-old Ramone Carter was riding his tricycle Friday evening on Domedion Avenue in Buffalo. He was with his seven-year-old sister Jamiah when they were both shot dead during an outdoor family gathering.

The siblings were both taken to hospital. Jamiah is expected to recover from his injuries. Ramone was later pronounced deceased at ECMC.

Family members and anti-violence organizations gathered Saturday to honor the young life senselessly murdered.

“I know we’ve been through a lot of tragedy, but I never thought a three-year-old playing outside at a graduation party would misfire, get shot and killed,” Martina Carter said , the victims’ sister. , said.

Martina described Ramone as very playful and full of joy.

“He loved the Buffalo Bills,” she said. “He always talked about wanting to play football.”

Carlanda Meadors, communications director for Most Valuable Parents, said the situation is hitting those who are active in the community. MVP is a Buffalo community outreach organization that addresses issues affecting the city with the goal of making it a safer place to live.

“Every time someone is shot and killed on the streets of the city of Buffalo, it hits home because we are here to advocate against guns,” Meadors said. “We need to get these guns off the streets and the reality is that violence hurts no matter who it is.”

The children’s mother, Shakenya Griffin, is well known in the community as an advocate for safer neighborhoods. She is also a member of MVP.

“I am heartbroken for this mother who is here every day for our community, and now she loses a three-year-old child,” Buffalo Common Council President Christopher Scanlon said at a conference in press Saturday on the shooting. “So please, I’m just begging people to stop this.”

Police said they were working tirelessly to get justice for the family.

“There are just too many illegal guns on the streets and this three-year-old was on his tricycle when he was shot,” Erie County Prosecutor Michael Keane said at the conference. press. “It’s scandalous.”

Two people of interest were questioned and released, but police need more information from the community.

“We’re talking about a three-year-old baby who hasn’t even had his fourth birthday yet,” Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said at the news conference. “We need your help. We need to clarify this matter.

Anyone with information is asked to text or call the Buffalo Police confidential line at (716) 847-2255.