“It was senseless:” Massachusetts family speaks out after police say teen shot, killed in Fall River

FALL RIVER, MA. (WJAR) — Even a week later, the emotions are still raw for the family and friends of Jovanni Perez.

The 18-year-old was shot and killed on Locust Street on the afternoon of October 14 in Fall River, according to police.

Loved ones gathered at that same spot seven days later to lay down flowers, light candles and release balloons as part of a small vigil to remember a person near and dear to them.

“Heartbreak. Shock. Jovanni didn’t deserve this,” said Jovanni’s mother, Katie Perez. “Jovanni was a sweet, amazing, respectful kid who just enjoyed life and enjoyed everybody. He didn’t make problems or have problems. He didn’t deserve this. It was senseless.”

Jovanni was the oldest of 5 siblings and half-siblings, which includes his 16-year-old sister, Jaylani.

“He showed me everything. Sports, we were always together,” she told NBC 10 News.

His cousin, Brian, shared a powerful moment by the small memorial set up along the street and reflected on what Jovanni meant to him.

“We were blood cousins, but that was more like my brother. We did everything together from when we were in diapers [to now].”

Jovanni was an avid fan of sports and loved to dance and sing. He was also a young father to two young children, ages 1 and 3. His aunt, Luz Perez, says he was out of school and working but was hoping to get back to school in the near future.

“They’re not going to remember their dad now and we’re going to have to do everything to make sure they know who their dad was,” Katie said.

On Thursday, a 17-year-old from Fall River was charged with Jovanni’s murder. Prosecutors say Antwyne Robinson shot Jovanni while he was walking outside of his girlfriend’s house that afternoon. They allege dated Robinson has recently just broken up with Jovanni’s girlfriend.

Investigation revealed Robinson threatened the girlfriend and Perez before, including murder threats, prosecutors said in Fall River District Court. He’s being held without bail and is due back in court on November 17.

“I just want these guns to stop, this gun violence to stop. He was only 18, he didn’t deserve this,” Luz Perez, Jovanni’s aunt, said. “Jovanni deserves justice, the family deserves justice, we want answers.”

A GoFundMe page in Jovanni’s name raised more than $3600 but is no longer active. Funeral arrangements are still being ironed out.