Relatives gather and bury 3-year-old Ramone Carter a week after shooting

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Hundreds of people gathered Friday to celebrate the life of 3-year-old Ramone Carter, just a week after he was shot and killed on Domedion Avenue.

Carter was buried at the Greater Royal Worship Center in a small coffin with flowers and a ribbon that read “Beloved Luckie.”

“A three-year-old can bring so much unity to a city that needs to be united,” said Pastor Tim Newkirk of GYC Ministries.

Carter was shot and killed outside his home last week during a family gathering while riding his tricycle. His seven-year-old sister, who was standing next to him, was hit by a bullet.

Loved ones filled the pews to say their final goodbyes to Carter, also known as “Luckie” or “Red.”

“At the end of the day, we shouldn’t be here,” Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said. “We should not praise the life of an innocent and beloved little boy. »

Those who came to pay their respects wore t-shirts with Carter’s photo or were dressed in Buffalo Bills gear, because the young man was a big fan.

“The mother talked about how from the time he was three weeks old, he fell in love with the Buffalo Bills and obviously this community is in love with him,” Brown said.

“I think it’s their faith that keeps them, you know, strong and together at this point, because there are absolutely no words when you lose a three-year-old child to gun violence,” said Ykeeta Wilson, first lady of the Grand Royal Worship Center.

News 4 reporters Friday said if there was anything positive to come from this tragedy, it was change to ensure something like this never happens again.

Newkirk said it was the community’s responsibility to be vigilant going forward.

“What I struggle with is that the blood of our brown and black youth is flowing down the drain in the city of Buffalo and that really needs to stop,” said Pastor Albert Wilson of the Greater Royal Worship Center.