Mother speaks after teen charged in son’s death

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A teenager lost his life on Friday after being fatally shot in South Memphis, police say.

On July 5 at 10:30 p.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of S 3rd Street.

A male victim was located and taken to Le Bonheur in critical condition. The 15-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Memphis Police announced that a 17-year-old male has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

WREG spoke to the victim’s mother, Marketha Cooper, who identified him as Victor Cooper.

“I can’t get him back,” Cooper said. “They went too far from what I’m hearing. It’s like overkill. You shot him and ran him over That’s overkill to my baby. That’s an angel.”

She described him as a scholar who excelled in academics and said he wouldn’t hurt a fly. She’s heartbroken over his senseless death.

“I’m not the delusional mother. My son wasn’t the one doing crimes in this city, I promise to God I know this. He’s not committing crimes. The most he wants to do is hang out. He wasn’t that. I’m not delusional. He wasn’t that. if you talk to him, the first thing you’ll hear from him is yes, sir no sir,” Cooper said.

Victor’s younger brothers, Jarvis and Jordan are also reeling from the loss. They say they don’t look up to celebrities or athletes like other kids their age. Instead, they idolized their big brother, who was like a teacher to them.

“He’s the one who taught me how to play football and basketball, to follow my dreams, showing me how to do math,” Jordan said. “Math was my favorite because he showed me.”

Several years ago, Victor appeared on the “Ellen” show for his academic achievements. During the appearance, Ellen asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. Victor said he wanted to be a teacher.

Other friends and family knew him as “CB.”

“I heard he was a good boy. He was doing good in school,” said a South Memphis resident named Tonio. “It’s just the wrong time. You can be here one day then the next day you could be gone. It’s sad.”

A local teen named Khi says being a teenager today is a dangerous game. He says you can get caught up in the violence while doing nothing wrong.

“We could just be walking around in our hoods, and folks will think we are trying to do something and get us mixed up with the wrong person and try to kill us,” he said. “If I’m just walking around with my friends you really have to pay attention to your surroundings.”

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.