A family and a high school community are in mourning after a 16-year-old boy from Alexandria, Virginia, was shot and killed last week in D.C.
Officers found DeShaun Francis, 16, inside a car just after 8 p.m. on Feb. 8 in the Unit block of Chesapeake Street SE, D.C. police said. He was suffering from a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital.
DeShaun, a junior at Alexandria City High School, died from his injuries on Feb. 11, police said. He leaves behind his parents and seven siblings.
The victim’s mother, Helena Bertrand, said her son was “striving to graduate and be his own boss” before he was killed.
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“DeShaun will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the Titan community,” Executive Principal Peter Balas said in a letter to the school community. “These times are never easy and it is important that we all support each other and our Titans.”
Balas also said resources were available for teachers, students and staff who may need counseling.
D.C. police are still investigating and have not announced arrests in DeShaun's killing.
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