Graduation Ceremony for Quicy Reese Jr. – NBC Los Angeles

The family of a teenager shot to death after a birthday party held a “closure ceremony” in Long Beach on the one-year anniversary of his death.

Quincy Reese Jr. died of a gunshot wound to the head following a shooting at a South Los Angeles nightclub on June 10, 2023.

The “graduation ceremony” was held at El Dorado Park West in Long Beach, as the teenager had not even graduated from high school when his life ended at just 16 years old.

“We’ve waited so long – so long for this moment. And it shouldn’t be this way,” said his mother, Paradisha Cooperwood, wearing a blue graduation gown. “He should be here to celebrate himself.”

According to his family, the Crenshaw High teenager excelled in both sports and academics. The nonprofit organization Hoop Justice has since established an annual memorial scholarship to honor Reese Jr.’s life.

Homicide investigators said that although hundreds of children attended the party that night, few came forward with information. A year later, there have still been no arrests.

Quincy Reese Sr. said he and his family continued to call the LAPD for updates, to no avail.

The family has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of his killer.