Family of 14-year-old girl shot in Aurora Park demands answers

AURORA, Colorado – Shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday, a shooting at Highland Hollows Park in Aurora shocked the family of 14-year-old Kamiaya Cleveland.

Kamiaya was one of three teenagers shot in the park that night. The 14-year-old succumbed to her injuries and her death was ruled a homicide.

The other two girls were taken to hospital and their condition is currently unknown.

Kamiaya’s mother, Krystal Cleveland, described her eldest child as responsible and caring. She said Kamiaya was a devoted big sister who always looked after her two younger siblings.

“She took her time and cared about everyone she knew. Everyone she met knew she loved them because she cared,” Krystal said through tears. “I know there are a lot of people who loved her too, so I want them to come forward and say something. That will be helpful.”

Kamiaya’s grandmother, Annie Cleveland, said her granddaughter has big dreams. She is looking forward to learning to drive next year and plans a family trip to Mexico after graduation.

“I feel like my heart is in a million pieces… I remember the last time she was here, she hugged me and kissed me. She always did that and would do it in the future, I’m sure. But she always hugged me and gave me a kiss on the cheek,” Annie said. “We need justice for Kamiaya so she can rest in peace because she probably won’t rest in peace until justice is done.”

Kamiaya had just completed her freshman year at Aurora Central High School and was preparing to celebrate her 15th birthday at the end of July. She was begging for braces and was determined to show off her smile.

“They wanted to remove (the braces) sooner because her teeth were straight. It happened a lot quicker than they thought. (The braces) were on the way out,” Krystal said.

Crystal Cleveland

Kamiaya always told her family how much she loved them, and Saturday was no different.

“I know she loved me, and I know she knows I love her. And that’s the only comfort I have right now,” Krystal said. “That was my first baby, you know? She’s the first person to call me mommy. It’s not fair that someone can just take that away from me without fear of consequences. Whoever did this to my baby will have to pay for it.”

As of Monday, no arrests have been made and Aurora police have not publicly identified any suspects. Police said the shooting occurred after a fight broke out during a party in the park.

“All we know is that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and we basically have no details about what happened,” said one of Kamiaya’s aunts, Kayla Cleveland. “We’ve never had to do anything like this before. And especially because she’s kind of the peacemaker… I think I’ll feel an emptiness forever.”

Another of Kamiaya’s aunts, Kandice Cleveland, said it was a shock that someone she loved so much had been taken from her by gun violence.

“You have to deal with (gun violence) firsthand because, you know, you have to be there for the community when something like that happens and then ask the community to be there for you,” Kandice explained. “With the loss of Kamiaya, it just left a void that can’t be filled.”

Family shares memories of 14-year-old girl shot in Aurora Park

Her entire family is asking anyone who was at the park that night or any neighbors in the area to come forward with information that will give the family answers to their questions.

“We’re urging anyone who knows anything to come forward, do the right thing and say something,” Kandice said. “Because that’s what her mother, her little sister, her little brother and we deserve, and that’s what Kamiaya deserves.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.