CHESAPEAKE, Va. — The 17-year-old who died after being shot Wednesday night has been identified, according to Chesapeake police.
Chesapeake police responded to the 900 block of Landing Creek Drive at around 11:05 p.m. When officers arrived, 17-year-old Kenny Martinez Rodriguez was found with a gunshot wound in his head, according to Chesapeake police. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
Watch previous coverage: 17-year-old killed in shooting on Landing Creek Drive, police say
Family members confirmed to News 3 that he was a student at Deep Creek High School. Friends of Martinez Rodriguez remember him as a smart, playful, athletic, and upbeat young man who brought joy to everyone around him.
"No matter where he was, like everybody was always around him happy. Like he made everybody around him happy," said Anthony Ayala Ramos, who was Martinez Rodriguez's best friend and was with him the night he died.
Ayala Ramos says what was supposed to be a fun spring break gathering with friends turned tragic. "It was just like a little party for spring break. Like nothing really was supposed to happen. It was just happy vibes, like I thought everything was going well," he said.
Kelli Melo Hernandez, a family friend whose granddaughter has been close with Martinez Rodriguez for years, says her granddaughter witnessed the shooting and tried to help. "She was there. She witnessed it. She held him. She called the police and held him. So she said, you know, she knew he was alive, when he left. He had a pulse when he left. So, she is torn up," Hernandez said.
The suspects were last seen in a gray SUV leaving the area at the time, police say the suspects are unknown. Chesapeake Police are continuing to investigate the shooting.
Deep Creek neighbors are coming together to support the Martinez Rodriguez family by donating towards funeral expenses and dropping off meals. Kenny's friends plan to hold a vigil in their neighborhood on Sunday to honor Martinez Rodriguez's memory.
"He just had so much love for everybody. He was always like a very happy spirit," Ayala Ramos said.
The following statement was sent to Deep Creek High families on behalf of the school's principal, Kinyatta Garrett:
Dear Deep Creek Families,
It is with a heavy heart that I share some very difficult news. We have lost a member of our Hornet family, 10th grader Keny Martinez Rodriguez. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Keny’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone in our community who knew him.
We recognize that losing a classmate is a profound tragedy. Support and care during the first stages of grief are critical for our entire school family. When students return on Tuesday, Deep Creek counselors and support teams from Chesapeake Public Schools will be available on-site to offer a listening ear, guidance or a safe space for reflection. Translation services will be available with these supports.They will remain with us for as long as we need.
If looking for ways to support your student at home, this resource [5il.co] may assist you.
We appreciate your continued support and kindness as we lean on one another through this loss. Please keep the Martinez Rodriguez family in your thoughts and prayers.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chesapeake Police Department or submit a tip through Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
