When gunfire hit a Shreveport basketball court, 13-year-old Sha’Michael Russell covered his little sister with his own body and gave his life to protect her.
Story Highlights
- Sha’Michael was shot and killed on Monday, September 28, at the Olde Salem Village Apartments in west Shreveport, Louisiana.
- He died shielding his 2-year-old sister, and two other children, ages 17 and 2, were also hit.
- Two cousins, both 19, are under arrest and accused in the shooting.
- His funeral is set for Saturday, October 10, after a public viewing on Friday, October 9.
A Brother Who Put His Sister First
Sha’Michael was on the apartment basketball court with his siblings on the evening of the shooting. Police say a shooter fired several rounds toward the court from a distance. Sha’Michael was an innocent bystander, and police have not released a motive. He was hit while covering his 2-year-old sister and died at a Shreveport hospital shortly after 7 p.m. His family says the little girl he protected was not struck.
Two other children were wounded. Police said a 2-year-old had injuries that were not life-threatening, and a 17-year-old was listed in serious condition after the shooting. Sha’Michael’s death was the city’s 38th homicide of the year.
Two Cousins Accused
Shreveport police arrested Javion Abbott, 19, within days of the shooting. He was first booked on one count of second-degree murder. On October 1, he was booked on two more counts of attempted second-degree murder. His cousin, Alonzo Abbott, 19, was also arrested. He is accused of being a principal to second-degree murder and to two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Under Louisiana law, a principal is anyone who takes part in a crime, not only the person who fires the gun. Both men are accused, and the case has not gone to trial.
Wayne Smith, the Shreveport police chief, sent a clear message after the first arrest: “when you harm our children, we will come for you.”
A Vigil on the Court Where He Fell
On Wednesday, October 7, neighbors and family gathered at the basketball court, which now holds a memorial to the boy. Pastor Tony Hunter, who led prayers at the vigil, asked the crowd to “Keep his legacy alive, he shielded his sister.” He also prayed for Sha’Michael’s mother and siblings.
His cousin, Sha’Kylynn Edwards, remembered a boy who loved his family and simple joys. “He’s a hero, he loved his baby sister, he loved a lot of things like his hair, Chinese, he was a sweet boy,” she said. His brother, R’Zelius Russell, had a plea for the people who carry guns: “Gun violence needs to stop because it’s not of God, they need to put guns down.”
Honored as a Hero
A national group, the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, chose Sha’Michael for its Youth Heroism Award, given after his death for shielding his sister. The foundation also started a fund to help the family with funeral costs. Its founder and president, Daniel Chapin, said, “He was only 13 years old. He should still be here growing up with his family.” His aunt, Jessica Haley, who serves as a Shreveport police chaplain, called him “a loving heart.”
A public viewing was set for Friday, October 9, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Shreveport Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center. His funeral is set for Saturday, October 10, at Church of the Living God PGT, and it is open to the public. The funeral home is taking donations to help the family pay for the service.
