KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The aunt of the young boy killed over the weekend in a hail of bullets at his south Kansas City house asked for public help on Wednesday.
It's a somber reality that "Aunt Rochelle" can't fathom four days after the senseless killing of her 8-year-old nephew Brian Bartlett.
"He was not a bad kid. He was not doing anything except living his simple life, loving on his mom and keeping her happy," Rochelle said.
Ever since the boy and his mom moved to Kansas City from California a few years ago, all three would constantly stay in touch through phone calls and social media
"I saw going to be successful one day because he had his head at such an early age wrapped around positivity," Rochelle said
Brian's teacher at Center Elementary School nurtured that success.
"We recently received a comment that she made that she had joy having him with her and it meant so much to my sister," Rochelle said.
The start of the fourth grade was the last thing they discussed hours before tragedy struck.
"We talked about a haircut and just, you know, his mom was going to take him to get his supplies," Rochelle said.
Besides school, Brian treasured a special teddy bear his "Auntie Chel" gave him.
"This bear was going to protect you and be with you at all times and you don’t have to worry anything," Rochelle recalls telling Brian.
That bear was in Brian's bedroom Saturday night when a shooter sprayed more 30 bullets into his home.
"He didn’t see this coming. Brian never tried to hurt or fight you know whoever, whoever is responsible for this, we’re not mad at these people or person, we’re not mad. We just want that person to come forth so we can close this chapter so we can continue on and do something more positive for Brian," Rochelle said.
His aunt is grateful for all the support they've received from the community.
She said it lets them know that despite these circumstances, there are still a lot of good people around them.
If you have any information regarding the deadly shooting, call Kansas City, Missouri, Police or the KC Crimestoppers Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). There's a $25,000 reward for any tips that lead to an arrest.
