GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A father is continuing to expand a memorial in honor of his son, 15-year-old Amillier Penn, who was killed months ago.
“It hurts. It hurts to have to do this. I shouldn't be doing this, my son should still be here,” said Amillier's father, Corey Penn.
In an empty lot on Umatilla Street, a memorial has been set up for Amillier, who was killed while playing football with his friends in June.
Corey has taken on the effort to maintain the memorial.
"I can't really describe [what it’s like] to visit a memorial and have to maintain it for your 15-year-old child that was murdered,” said Corey.
Corey visits both son’s grave and memorial often. He said others have stopped by and added to the memorial.
"For every one of these lights that someone donated, bears, balloons, it just shows displays how much love people have and had for my son," said Corey.
On Wednesday, Corey added to the memorial with an arch.
"For me, the idea was just to give my son his flowers. I got the flowers, basketballs. He loved basketball. And we believe he's came and visited us. We see cardinals, butterflies. We just, we believe that our son is still here in spirit,” said Corey.
So far, he said his son's case remains unsolved and no arrest have been made.
Even with no new information on the case, Corey chooses to stay positive by growing his son’s memorial, thinking positively about his son’s life and relying on his faith that someone will be arrested.
"It's therapy for me as well. To, you know, remember all the good times. He just, he could light up the whole room,” said Corey.
The family has set up a petition to change the name of the street to honor Amillier. You can find that link by clicking here.