GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., — As Jacqueline Kelley prepared to bury her son Domenick Floyd Thursday, she made an emotional plea to the community.
“I’m asking anyone in the community that knows anything, please come forth,” said Kelley. “We have got to stop this violence.
Kelley joined family and friends to say goodbye to Floyd on Thursday morning. The 23-year-old was gunned down on October 31st around 1 a.m. outside a Grand Rapids restaurant. Investigators say it appears he was an innocent bystander who was shot after a man tried to rob him. The person next to Floyd pulled out a gun and shot the attempted robber. Seconds later, someone in the crowd opened fire in retaliation and shot Floyd.
So far, police have made no arrests in his murder.
Kelley told FOX 17 it’s the second time she has lost a son to senseless violence. In 1999, her 26-year-old son Qwaze was also shot and killed in Easttown. His murder is still unsolved.
Kelley has channeled her grief to make a difference. She’s joined the newly formed group “Mothers on a Mission”. The members, who have all lost a child to violence, participate in a silent outreach program to urge the community to end the violence.
“We’re asking every mother, child, son, everybody to come and help us,” explained Kelley. “To help stop this violence in the community because these kids do not know they’re hurting mothers. They’re hurting mothers and fathers and everybody.”
Floyd leaves behind a one-year-old daughter.
Anyone who has information that could help solve Floyd’s case is urged to call Grand Rapids Police or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
