The family of the Garfield High School student, who was shot to death on campus, is pleading for the public’s help to find their son’s killer.
Amarr Murphy-Paine, 17, was shot to death on campus last June as he was trying to break up a fight, Seattle detectives said.
Crime Stoppers has increased the cash reward to $3,000 for any information that can lead to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
VICTIM’S FAMILY:
Nearly eight months following the deadly shooting, the parents told KIRO 7 News that they have not received any answers about their son’s death.
“I’m disappointed in just the whole thing. It doesn’t make any sense. I didn’t think it would ever take this long. I’m, like, it’s on school and it’s broad daylight,” said Sherrica Mccall, mother. “I just miss my son. I miss him.”
“That was a school shooting and last time I looked at school shootings, suspects don’t get eight months to walk around at a school shooting,” said Arron Murphy-Paine, father.
The father told KIRO 7 News that he has not received a phone call from detectives since his son’s death, adding that Mayor Bruce Harrell, who held a press conference at Garfield High School following the deadly shooting, has not reached out to the family.
“I haven’t had one call from the detective since it happened. We have to reach out to get our updates. We never got a home visit,” the father said. “Never got a word of condolences from the mayor. The mayor did that press conference right here and said he had compassion for the family, but never ever once. I invited him to our funeral, but never showed up.”
SEATTLE POLICE AND MAYOR:
KIRO 7 News took these concerns to the Seattle Police Department.
A spokesperson for the police department said they’re not talking when the investigation is ongoing.
The mayor’s office shared a statement.
“Our hearts continue to be with Amarr’s family, friends, and the entire Garfield community, who remain deeply grieved and impacted by the senseless loss of this young man,” the mayor’s office wrote.
The mayor’s office said Mayor Bruce Harrell met with several community leaders and local pastors representing Murphy-Paine’s family.
“If Amarr’s father feels unheard, the mayor remains open and willing to have a direct conversation with the family should they desire the same, as we realize nothing can bring his son back.”
After sharing the statement of the mayor’s office, Arron Murphy-Paine told KIRO 7 News on the phone that none of the community leaders represent the family.
“The mayor has not spoke to me or anyone who represents this family. Period,” the father said.
While the parents are asking people with information on their son’s killer to come forward, the father said his faith has inspired him to forgive the suspect.
“I’ve been praying for you every single day since it happened. I have found a great level of forgiveness in my heart and compassion in my heart for you. I pray for the same faith that strengthened me strengthens you to do the right thing,” he shared.
AMARR MURPHY-PAINE:
The parents described their son as a charismatic young man with a sense of humor and a big heart.
“I just miss his sense of humor. He had a real good sense of humor,” the father said. “I miss our talks. I miss, we had a football thing. I miss his heart. He had a very big heart,” the father said. “I miss his athletics. I miss everything.”
The mother said, “I just miss him period, and mourning the fact that of who he was going to become.”
“The emptiness inside my heart will never be fulfilled again,” she added.
Despite a viral video capturing the fight at Garfield High School on social media, Seattle’s police chief told KIRO 7 News that Instagram was not enough for a warrant.
Loved ones created a GoFundMe to honor their son’s 18th birthday.
“In honor of his 18th birthday on December 30th, his family would like to give blankets and hygiene kits to the homeless in his name. Your contributions will go towards the establishment of The Amarr’s Heart Foundation, which will continue Amarr’s spirit of encouragement to the communities he loved and served,” the page wrote.