A solemn gathering filled the mosque in Brooklyn as hundreds came to honor Kinu Rochford, a former college basketball standout who was killed in a Harlem shooting.
A Life Cut Short
Rochford was gunned down on a city basketball court while watching a tournament with his young son, a bullet striking him in the head. Two other participants were also wounded, though both survived and remain in stable condition.
After a collegiate stint at Fairleigh Dickinson University, he took his game overseas, earning contracts with several European clubs where he was celebrated for his size, skill, and sportsmanship.
Beyond the hardwood, Rochford devoted his time to Win, a nonprofit that provides supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness. Colleagues and community members alike praised his unwavering commitment to lifting others.
Tributes poured in from those who knew him best. Moses Wheeler, a mentor who had worked closely with Rochford, recalled a strong work ethic and an unmatched ability that set him apart. His brother described him as a wonderful sibling who could light up any room, while friend and rival Malik Jenkins said, “He was more than a friend; he was a brother.”
Authorities have not yet made an arrest, and no suspect description has been released. The investigation into the Harlem shooting remains active, leaving many to wonder when justice will arrive.