A steady stream of family and friends gathered in Sunset Park as they tried to come to terms with the tragic death of eight-year-old Jerry Kenmoe—a boy.
“He was wonderful, joyful, full of life, liked to play soccer, watch movies as any other kid,” said the boy’s uncle, Schapuli Saikim.
In Queens, the entrance of P.S 107 where Jerry was a student turned into a makeshift donation site this weekend as loved ones donated money to help defray burial costs.
“I felt compelled as a parent to give what I could,” said parent Jackie Leto.
Kenmoe was allegedly strangled to death by his father. Boujeke Kenmoe, 41, is now charged with second degree murder in an attach where police say he also tried to take his own life, but failed.
“He was a really happy, seemed well-adjusted kid, so it was a real shock,” said teacher Rick Simonetti.
Jerry just finished the third grade at P.S. 107. Rick Simonetti said that he never noticed any signs of abuse from the boy or his family when Jerry was in his first grade class.
“I met with the father and mother during parent-teacher conferences years ago with Jerry in my class and saw none of that,” Simonetti said.
“I wished somebody had realized what was happening or may have been happening to this child when it was happening, but now this is all we can do,” said organizer Kathryn Cuomo.
Organizers behind the fundraising say it’s one way they can come to grips with the loss.
“My son played basketball with Jerry after school. A lot of children did, so they knew him and to explain why he’s no longer here is unimaginable,” Cuomo said.
