Photo courtesy of WLBT.
Kennedy Hobbs, 18, was shot and killed on June 1, just hours after graduating from Murrah High School in Jackson, Mississippi. Hobbs was shot three times around 11 p.m. and died at the scene.
Hobbs was killed at the Texaco gas station on Medgar Evers Boulevard and Sunset Drive. The Jackson Police Department is not releasing many details about the shooting, and no motive has been established. Police are still investigating.
The family wanted to know why Hobbs was taken from them in such a violent way. Her godsister, Teiaudria Hawkins, said that they want to know what happened to Hobbs and why.
”Kennedy was loving. Kennedy was outstanding. Everyone loved Kennedy,” said Hawkins. “I can’t even describe the feeling. We are torn to pieces. We all are. From her classmates to her family to her friends. This is unbelievable. We just want to know why. What happened?”
“Our friend is gone. Our sister is gone,” she added.
Hawkins said that Hobbs already had a licensed business, Kaay’s Waxing Bar, and was on her way to a successful career after graduating from high school.
“She already had her waxing business and her lashes, hair. Kennedy was in fashion. That’s all Kennedy knew,” said Hawkins.
Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene said that hearing the news about Hobbs was upsetting.
“To get the news this morning of the passing of one of our dear graduates, it’s tough,” he said. “It’s really tough. And it brings into view just how important this work is that we do.”
Dr. Greene also posted a statement to Facebook about the high school graduate.
“We are saddened over the passing of Murrah 2021 graduate Kennedy Hobbs. Our heart goes out to her family along with the scholars and staff of Murrah High and Peeples Middle schools. We will cherish her wonderful smile and fond memories forever. Let’s use this horrible loss as a reminder that we have to make this world a better place.”
Councilman Kenneth Stokes said that he is angry and frustrated by Hobbs’ senseless killing by gun violence.
”I want to apologize to them for the city of Jackson failing them,” he said. “It’s no way that you’re supposed to be so happy at graduation and then so sad the day after. It’ll bring tears to your eyes.”
Jackson had a record number of homicides in 2020, with almost 130 deaths. As of April 2021, the city has already seen 50 deaths due to homicide, most of them from gun violence.