TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI) — A Massachusetts man accused of shooting and killing a 17-year-old in Taunton was arraigned on Wednesday.

Kareem Gendraw, 18, was arrested Tuesday night in connection with the death of Khamitri Cole inside a mobile home on Sept. 19.

Cole, of Brockton, was pronounced dead at 12:45 a.m., less than an hour after police responded to the scene on Lothrop Street, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III.

Cole’s mother said her son was expecting a child that’s due in February.

“Simply put, he was the realest person I have met. He was there for everyone in their time of need. He was loving and compassionate and extremely loved by everyone who met him,” Leah Cole said in a statement sent to 12 News.

Gendraw pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and carrying an illegal firearm and was ordered held without bail. He is due back in court on Friday, Oct. 25.

Gendraw’s mother told 12 News she believes “her baby is innocent.”

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