Vigil Held For Edgewood Teen Shot, Killed In July 4 Homicide

EDGEWOOD, MD — Community members came together in Edgewood for a vigil at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. The purpose was to honor the memory of Khalil Johnson, the 15-year-old who was shot and killed on the Fourth of July in the Edgewater Village neighborhood.

Officials said Johnson was shot in the area of Brookside Drive and Eloise Lane. Deputies found him inside a residence at 12:21 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. Authorities believe he was targeted.

"For all those who knew Khalil, he was a kind, caring loving person who loved playing football," according to a message posted on the GoFundMe page set up to raise money for his funeral.

Three people used the word "respectful" to describe the boy in comments on the GoFundMe page, which has raised more than $3,400 in two days.

"He wasn't some bad kid; he just had bad circumstances," a former teacher at Edgewood Middle School, who befriended Johnson, told The Aegis at Saturday's vigil. He had a "beautiful smile that lit up the room."

The teen's former elementary school principal was also among those at the vigil, according to WJZ, which reported she said his murder was "devastating."

Mothers of Murdered Sons and Daughters helped organize the event Saturday at the Edgewater Village basketball court, where people were encouraged to bring photos of the teen and balloons to release at the end of the event.

Anyone with information about the homicide can call Detective M. Berg at 443-409-3302.

Metro Crime Stoppers may offer a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment. To remain anonymous and qualify the cash reward, send a tip online to Metro Crime Stoppers, call Harford Crime Solvers at 1-888-540-8477 or text the tip to Metro Crime Stoppers at 274637 with "MCS" plus the message.

RELATED: 15-Year-Old Boy Killed In Edgewood Shooting

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