Frederick Robinson recently shared his experience of losing his son to shooting. He said that when he received news of his son's death, it devastated him, and he admitted that it tested his faith as a pastor and a father.
Forgiving his Son's Killers
In a report with Fox News, Robinson told the news outlet that authorities called him up and told him his son was shot on Monday. Feb. 7. The 17-year-old Johnathan Robinson never made it to the hospital.
The pastor and his eldest son, Javon, called the entire incident a "terrible accident." Robinson reached out to his son's killers and assured them that he had forgiven them.
He told the news outlet that he may have already seen the killer once or twice. Robinson explained that Johnathan would often bring friends home from school. The pastor assured his son's murderers that he had no hate in his heart for them.
Robinson appealed to the killers and asked them to come forward with their crimes. He knew that they were hiding right now because they were afraid of the consequences of their actions.
Accountability Must Happen
The pastor told the news outlet that the entire thing might have been an accident. He believed that there was no malice behind his son's death.
Robinson said that there had to be accountability for Johnathan's death.
His eldest son, Javon Harris, admitted that it would take the family a long time to grieve for his passing. They also wanted to seek justice for the young man because many questions were left unanswered.
Police said that the teenager was shot and killed on Monday, Feb. 7, at Sunset Drive while shooting a music video.
The pastor added that his son was sitting inside a car when someone pulled the trigger on a gun and shot him in the chest.
Robinson prayed that the killer would come forward to give the family closure.
Death of Beloved Son
As furthered, the pastor said that his youngest son was always so energetic and charismatic. Robinson added that his son would be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Robinson prays that young people would take responsibility for their actions. He also hopes that his family will find the peace they need to heal.
The pastor said that young people, especially those as young as 13 years old, should not have guns. He hoped these laws would change for the good of the community.
He was glad that the family received support from people close to them during these trying times. The pastor admitted that it was a struggle, but he knew they would get through it.
Robinson told his son's shooter that he would testify on their behalf. He said that he wanted to have closure over his son's death.
Like Brother
In a previous report with Fox News, the pastor of God is Able Outreach also mourned Johnathan's death. Stovello Stovall said that the teen's death was a painful blow for him and his wife.
The pastor told the news outlet how they helped raise the teen. He added that he considered Robinson to be like a brother to him and offered him comfort during his time of mourning.
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