My name is Kaden because I carry his essence within me. I am also 10 years old like him. I excel in school and show respect to my family, teachers, and myself.
In Cleveland, Mayor Justin Bibb hosted a Town Hall meeting where the tragic killing of 10-year-old Kaden Coleman, who was shot while seated in a car, was a key topic of discussion.
During the event, 10-year-old Lorenzo Roberson delivered a moving speech, questioning the adults present if he, too, should fear for his life being taken prematurely.
“I am Kaden because his spirit now lives within me,” Lorenzo said. “I am Kaden because I am 10 years old, too. I get good grades, too. I respect my family, my teachers and myself. I’m Kaden because I believe in myself. Will I have a chance to survive? Will my life be cut short, too? All we want is hot food, something to do after school and to be safe in our community. You tell me, will the adults in this room make sure that I have a chance to grow? I am Kaden. His life is within me. I am Kaden. He lives within me.”
You can watch the full Town Hall meeting with Lorenzo’s comments in the video below.
Lorenzo received a standing ovation from those in attendance along with a hug from Mayor Bibb, who could be heard telling the young boy, “I’m proud of you.”
Bibb followed those remarks with an address to the crowd about the need for a collective effort in public safety.
“This is what the work is about, this is what the work is about,” Bibb said. “Public safety is not just a City Hall project, it is a community group project. So, let’s make sure we stand up for this young man and the young people across the city every damn day as much as we can.”
The deadly shooting happened earlier this month on Feb. 7 in the 3900 block of East 147th Street.
“The initial investigation determined that the victim was inside a vehicle in the 3900 block of East 147th Street when an unknown suspect fired multiple shots at the car as it was backing out of a driveway,” according to a press release from Cleveland police. “Upon realizing the child had been shot, the driver rushed him to the police district for assistance.”
Kaden was taken to the hospital where he died early the next morning.
Police have since arrested 34-year-old Jeffery Grant in connection with the shooting. He was captured on Feb. 10 in Maple Heights and charged with aggravated murder. Police said he was also booked on a parole violation warrant.
“This arrest reflects the dedication and tireless work of our detectives and officers,” said Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd. “We remain committed to apprehending the second suspect in this case and bringing justice to this child and his family.”
Cleveland police also said they are searching for a second suspect in the case. Anybody with information is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464.
