Teen Killed by Gun Violence 7 Years After His Mom Died in a Shooting on His 10th Birthday

In 2017, Tamika Trimble died after a shooting in DeKalb County, Georgia. Her heartbreaking death occurred on her son Kenneth Collier Jr.’s 10th birthday. After his mother died, Kenneth became an advocate fighting against violence. He was a young voice for change. Tragically, 17-year-old Kenneth was himself a victim of gun violence and died following a shooting on January 9, 2025. His father wants the madness to end.

Kenneth Collier Sr. told Fox 5 it’s been seven years since Trimble’s death, and they never found her killer. He solemnly vowed in his son’s honor, “I’ll make sure they make an arrest this time.”

More from CafeMom: Chilling Video Shows Moments Before Mom Allegedly Shot Her 13-Year-Old & Told Her To Lie About It

Kenneth reportedly was visiting someone when shots rang out.

According to WGCL, Kenneth went to see a friend at the Riverside Apartments in Austell the night he died. Police repeatedly received a call for shots fired and, when they arrived, found Kenneth with multiple gunshot wounds. Sadly, he died from those wounds a short time later.

His father told the news station, “Nobody ever imagines getting a call where your son has been murdered, or your son has been shot or hurt,” he said. “As a parent, the hardest thing ever to go through. Kenneth was a good kid.”

The shooting brought back horrific memories for the father.

He told WGCL Trimble died December 17, 2017, after a gunshot struck her inside her car while her daughter rode in the back seat.

“I sat on this same couch and did this interview. Talked about my son’s mom, about his mom being murdered through gun violence. Now, I sit here again, without my son, talking about gun violence,” the father admitted.

More from CafeMom: Teen Shot in the Face While Trying To Ask Permission to Take Photos on a Man’s Property

Following his mother's death, Kenneth wanted to help stop gun violence.

After his mother’s death, he began bullying and acting out but learned to channel that anger and make a positive change. He wrote a book by age 11 called Button Buddy Stops Bullying: And So Can You. He received a proclamation from the City of Atlanta for his accomplishment.

Sadly, the father thinks his son got pulled off track in high school. “Unfortunately, when you’re still in a situation around your friends and environment, and that’s all you see a lot of times, you can fall back into it,” Collier Sr. said. “As a parent, of course I did everything I can, we did everything we can do.” 

Kenneth's death broke his father's heart.

Collier shared a picture of himself and Kenneth on Facebook in a post asking why. It reads in part, “Since the day you was born, I’ve been right by your side taking care of and protecting you the best I could. I wish I was there to protect you just one more time. I’m so sorry Son.. I keep asking GOD why? First your mom shot and killed now you! I know I won’t understand why you, right now! Not really sure if I’ll ever understand. I loved you more than anything in the World!”

Many left kind words for Collier Sr.

Like this person who wrote, “I’m so sorry for your loss, bro. I cannot imagine the pain you’re experiencing right now! I send my condolences to you and your family, bro. Much love.”

“We send our deepest condolences from our family. We will pray for you,” someone else commented. The shooting is under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police.