Jamiere Jenkins was lauded by his friends, classmates, teammates and coaches as “courageous, generous, gracious, respectful and loyal” during a candlelight vigil Wednesday night for the 17-year-old Combs High School junior who was killed last month.
“In the three years that I had the pleasure of knowing Jamiere, he left an incredible mark on everyone he encountered,” Combs High Head Football Coach Levi Hoaglund said during the vigil held at the school’s football stadium where Jenkins played wide receiver. “His kindness, his smile were a beacon that illuminated the lives of those around him. Whether it was with teammates struggling with a play or a friend in need of support, Jamiere's compassion knew no bounds. He had a heart that overflowed with generosity and a spirit that lifted the spirits of all who knew him.”
Jenkins died Nov. 28 in the Cambria neighborhood of San Tan Valley from a gunshot wound. Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb said in a Facebook video at the time of the killing that Jenkins and the suspect were arguing when the suspect pulled out a gun and fired one round that hit Jenkins in the neck. PCSO found the suspect the following day and he was booked into the Pinal County Youth Justice Center. The suspect’s name has not been released because he is a minor, PCSO said.
