A sea of mourners gathered at Wingate Park in Brooklyn on Saturday, clutching candles and sharing stories of a young man whose smile lit up the neighborhood.
A Vigil at Wingate Park
The gathering came after Kinu Rochford was shot in the head during a basketball tournament at a court on Lenox Avenue in Central Harlem, an incident that also left two others injured.
Police responded to the scene early Saturday morning, but no arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.
A Mother’s Tribute
Eden Rochford, Kinu’s mother, addressed the crowd, describing her son as a source of joy and positivity, and announced her intention to propose renaming Wingate Park in his honor.
City Response
Mayor Mamdani, who attended the vigil, expressed heartbreak over the shooting and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to preventing such senseless violence.
Community members recalled Kinu’s dedication to basketball and his habit of spreading encouragement on the court, a legacy that continues to inspire local youth programs.