Khloe Lewis as a younger child, with her mother. (Photo: GoFundMe)CLEVELAND — Khloe Lewis just wanted to feed the ducks.
She had gone to the Dollar Tree on South Street in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon to buy a loaf of bread, and she was killed at the scene, caught in the crossfire of a fight between two grown men.
She was only 12 years old.
The shooting happened July 12 outside the Dollar Tree, where two men opened fire on each other after an argument escalated into a fight, according to the Cleveland Police Department. Three people were shot. Khloe, an innocent bystander who had no part in whatever the men were fighting about, was one of them.
Cleveland police arrested Tiajon Butler, 28, of Cleveland, and charged him with aggravated assault and discharging a firearm. Ricky Williams, 30, of Cleveland, was taken to a hospital in Memphis and reportedly will be charged with murder, aggravated assault, and discharging a firearm once he is released.
Khloe Lewis (Photo: GoFundMe)The Delta News reports that on Monday morning, Bolivar Search and Rescue crews dragged the lake at Bear Pen Park looking for a weapon they believed had been dumped there, though a person present during the search said they came up with nothing. Police tell reporters they believe the shooting was an “isolated incident.”
As isolated as a senseless killing of a pre-teen enjoying a summer day in the wrong place at the wrong time can be.
Khloe was preparing to start seventh grade at West Bolivar High School this fall. The people who knew her describe a girl who was always ready to help, quick with a joke, and remembered by family, friends, and school officials as a bright light.
A GoFundMe campaign launched for her family will help cover funeral expenses and the costs of honoring her memory, with any remaining funds going to her mother in the weeks ahead. In it, organizers remembered a caring, funny girl who claimed the title of queen in her own words.
“She had a gift for making people laugh, often with one of her signature eye-rolls,” they wrote. “Khloe’s joyful spirit and warmth left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.”
Those who are unable to give are asked to keep the family in their prayers and to keep sharing Khloe’s story.
