'I Believed In Him': Community Mourns Teen Killed By Gun In Norristown

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Norristown area community is mourning yet another loss of a teenager to gun violence this week, after police said they believe a firearm went off as two teens played with it.

The victim has not been publicly identified by police but friends, family, and other community members are grieving a boy who they said had much to offer the world.

"I knew him. I talked to him. I encouraged him. I poured into him. I believed in him," Norristown Councilman Will McCoy, who worked with the victim while at Norristown Area High School shared in a social media post. "Today, I am hurting...Tonight, I am hurting because one of my students needed me."

Previous coverage: 1 Dead After 2 Children Played With Gun In Norristown

"He'd give you the shirt off his back," local resident Kandice Johnson told 6ABC. "He's there for his friends. It's just heartbreaking."

While the fatal shooting of the teen has been classified as accidental, the response has echoed the calls for widespread reform that grew louder after the killing in June of 15-year-old Javon Oyola by 16-year-old Alex Herrera. At the time, State Rep. Greg Scott called on Norristown Municipal Council and the Norristown Police Department to convene a community meeting, inviting government officials, clergy, teachers, residents, and community groups to address immediate changes.

On Wednesday, McCoy advocated for the organization for at-risk youth which he created, the Boys2Men Foundation.

"I wanted our young men to have what every young person deserves: a role model, a mentor, exposure, opportunity, resources, guidance, and someone willing to believe in them before they believe in themselves," McCoy said.

Tuesday's incident occurred at 10:30 a.m. on the 800 block of Arch Street.

Authorities have opened a homicide investigation, but no charges have been filed. It's not yet clear who the gun belonged to and how children were able to gain access.