The mother of a 9-year-old boy who was murdered in Chicago last week is defending her purchase of a new car, WGN reports.
Tyshawn Lee was shot and killed in an alley in the city’s Gresham neighborhood. Police say he was lured there and executed as part of an ongoing gang dispute involving his father, Pierre Stokes.
Stokes has insisted that he is not involved in any gangs. He also told police he does not know who killed his son.
A friend of Tyshawn’s mother, Karla Lee set up a GoFundMe page to pay for his funeral. More than $17,000 was raised.
But some people are now accusing the boy’s mother of using the funds to purchase a new car.
Karla Lee took to Instagram to post several videos, insisting that she used her own money. She also said that those who do not support her should just leave her alone. The videos have since been deleted.
In response to Lee’s perceived deception, a memorial created in honor of Tyshawn has been destroyed.
Lee’s funeral is on Tuesday at St. Sabina Church.
There is a $55,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Tyshawn’s killer.
