High School Football Star KaMardre Coleman Fatally Shot Days Before 17th Birthday
KaMardre Coleman, a high school football star, was fatally shot days before his 17th birthday. The 16-year-old was killed inside a Brooklyn NYCHA building on a Monday evening. His death has prompted vigils and questions from family and classmates.
Vigil and family tributes
A memorial outside Coleman’s Brooklyn home drew dozens of friends and relatives. Mourners released balloons shaped like the number five. The number matched his football and basketball jersey.
Signs reading “Forever 16” were displayed. Family members held up five fingers in tribute. His older sister, 21-year-old Julani Bannister, described him to Filmogaz.com as a bright, loving presence and a mentor to younger relatives.
Shooting and criminal case
According to police and court records, another 16-year-old brought a handgun into the room. The teen allegedly passed the weapon to others, then retrieved it and removed a loaded magazine.
A round discharged and struck Coleman in the chest. The alleged shooter has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and first-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Authorities have not released the gunman’s name.
School life and teammates
Coleman played for the Sheepshead Bay Sharks. Teammates said he co-captained the junior varsity squad and was expected to move up to varsity.
Classmate Karter McRae, 16, said he planned to photograph Coleman on his birthday. The high school will host another vigil on the Friday that would have been Coleman’s 17th birthday.
Family grief and community response
His father, Codwell Coleman, told Filmogaz.com that his son worked hard in school and on the field. The father said he had previously lost an older son six years earlier.
Friends noted Coleman had no gang ties. They said he enjoyed filming dance videos on TikTok and was well liked by classmates.
Questions remain
Family members want answers about the night of the shooting. Bannister said she does not believe a shooting with a finger on the trigger was accidental. Community vigils will continue as investigators pursue the case.
