Family Pleads for Answers in Death of Columbia Teen

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — 14-year-old NaJeer Buggs was shot and killed walking home from a basketball game Friday night. Today, his family pleaded for answers. Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook says they’ve received very few leads so far. Both parties agree, NaJeer’s death speaks to a bigger issue facing Columbia — violent crime that’s taking too many young lives. Police say NaJeer and another juvenile were approached by a light-colored sedan Friday night, while walking along the 4100 block of Grand Street. Officials say NaJeer was shot in the upper body. “It was my sister’s child this time, next time it could be your child,” his uncle, Wali Sharif says. NaJeer’s grandfather says the incident says something bigger about violence in our community. “We don’t have to go to war anymore to experience war,” Herman Jenkins says. “It’s right here in our own backyard.” NaJeer’s family members describe him as a loving boy, with a passion for basketball. “He laughed, he joked,” his mother, Lawanda Buggs says. “They don’t know what they took away from us.” It’s not yet clear why NaJeer was singled out in a quiet neighborhood, Chief Holbrook says. Though, he’s confident the department will find whomever is responsible. “We will find justice and you will have closure,” Chief Holbrook says. Police are reviewing surveillance video taken in the area. The department has cameras placed around the city. If you know anything about this case, please call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-S-C.