Ronnie Shirley Jr.’s Son Dead at 21: TV Star Shares Powerful Message About Violence
Ronnie Shirley Jr. broke his silence about the two teenagers who reportedly killed his 21-year-old son, Alex.
Shirley's family faced the darkest day in their life when Alex, 21, was shot and killed in Garner, outside of Raleigh. Over a month after the tragedy happened, the patriarch offered a powerful message about violence.
In a new interview with WRAL News, Alex's father sent a message to the two teenagers who have been linked to the young man's murder.
"If I could say anything to them at all - it would be I don't hate you, but I don't know if I can forgive you," he said.
Shirley mentioned the bible verses tattooed on his arms, saying that his faith helps him survive each day after Alex's death. He said that he is currently standing on those verses since, without faith, he would not know what to do with his life.
During the same interview, he recalled how he lost his son soon after posting a video showing a balloon release during the memorial for his friend. According to Shirley, his son and his friends were just sitting and talking before several gunshots were fired.
What Happened to Alex Shirley?
In February, the Johnston County deputies confirmed that the 21-year-old was found shot to death at a convenience store in Garner. They also found a 20-year-old woman who suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, she is now paralyzed from the waist down.
They reportedly received a report about the shooting in the area. Moments later, they were called due to the gunshot victims in the Sheetz parking lot.
Captain Jeff Caldwell said at that time that they quickly determined that the calls were directly related.
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A day later, the sheriff's office charged a then-16-year-old and 17-year-old men with murder and attempted murder. USA Today reported that both teens are from the area.
A third man, the 21-year-old Cassidy Lorene Hunter, was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact.
"These people honestly, firmly in their heart care. They watched my son on TV. He was in so many episodes," Shirley recalled. "He was always smiling, joking. He was always the cut up, man, always the cut up."
The father now hopes that his son's death will stop another young life from being taken from a family. He believes that Alex's death will serve its purpose and inspire faith.
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