The family of shooting victim A.J. Hoover is seeking answers as police continue to investigate what led to the death of the former Houston resident.
Phoenix, Ariz., police have said Hoover, 16, was with a small group of teenagers visiting a friend’s house last Wednesday when the shooting occurred. Some of the teens ran when Hoover was shot.
The moments leading to the shooting are still being investigated. Police spoke with a 15-year-old girl who lives at the home but are seeking others who were present to determine what occurred.
Hoover, who was born in Phoenix, moved to Houston with his family when he was five. He attended the Houston R-1 School District from kindergarten through his freshman year. He moved back to Phoenix in August 2013. He was currently enrolled at Shadow Mountain High School.
His sister, Lauren, graduated from Houston High School in 2012 and now attends Webster University. She said her family seeks closure with more information about what happened when her brother was killed.
“Really, all I would have to say to the person is, ‘We forgive you,’” Lauren Hoover said during an interview with CBS 5. “We understand that things happen, and our condolences go out the family of this person for sure because we know what it’s like to have lost A.J. And even if this person just faces jail time or whatever, it’s going to be hard for this family in a sense to lose their son or daughter as well.”
Memorial services are Saturday in Arizona. A candlelight memorial postponed by inclement weather has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday at the Lone Star Plaza in HoustonÂ
Arizona police said no one has been arrested in the case.
An online fundraiser is assisting with funeral costs for A.J. Hoover. More than $6,200 from 112 donors has been raised – http://www.gofundme.com/jvv9qk