Maryland family honors slain 13-year-old with foundation for at risk youth

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — It's been two years since was killed in front of his home in Prince George's County. His case remains unsolved but his family is turning their pain into purpose through a new foundation.

"Ever since then, it's been action for me is that is what has helped me to deal with the grief of losing Jayz," said his mother, Juanita Agnew.

Jayz left behind his mother, father, little sister, family and friends who still love him. Despite two years going by, many are still grieving.

ID checks at Arlington high schools after trespassing incident at Yorktown High Schoo

"I'm doing well today, and then something happens because there are different triggers. Different things that remind me of Jayz and remind me of how cruel the world can be," she said.

The young teen was shot in front of his home in Temple Hills while he was raking leaves in November 2022. He died days later but police still haven't made any arrests.

"The fact that they still, you know, are looking into the case and trying to find a different lens and look at different, different perspectives, it gives me hope," said Agnew.

Despite not having the closure they need, Jayz's family is taking action and making a difference in many ways. They launched The Jayz Agnew Foundation .

The goal is to help transform the lives of at-risk teens through mentorship, educational support and community outreach.

"It's a space where you can go and learn life skills to help you to think of other things instead of crime. I didn't get to see [Jayz] develop into a young man and that is important for me for healing that although I wasn't able to do it for my son, I will be able to do it for other children," she said.

Just last year, the Prince George's County Council passed legislation for a camera incentive program in honor of Jayz.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Prince George's County starts security camera rebate program in honor of 13-year-old boy who was fatally shot

When the incident happened, many neighbors did not have any cameras which made the investigation challenging. The camera incentive program helps provide free security cameras for District 8 residents so that they feel safe and it will also help deter crime.

Juanita said she wants to keep Jayz's legacy alive.

"I do want people to understand that gun violence, it can happen to anyone... So what keeps me going is the fact that I am able to tell his story and he isn't able to," she said.

On Saturday, Nov. 9, the family is hosting a Gun Violence Awareness Walk in honor of Jayz and other victims who lost their lives to senseless gun violence.

The walk will begin at 2 p.m. at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School and end at the Agnew family's home.