In the early evening of June 19, 2026, 15-year-old Khandyn KJ Jones was fatally shot in Raleigh, North Carolina. A student-athlete at Leesville Road High School, Jones was taken to a local hospital after the shooting and died of his injuries. The loss prompted immediate mourning: friends, family and community members gathered, teachers started an online fundraiser to help with funeral expenses, and his family painted Long Live KJ on their home’s windows.

Raleigh police arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with the shooting; the suspect was charged with murder and is being held at a juvenile detention facility. Because the suspect is a minor, no name has been released. Motive and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.

Anyone who knew Khandyn, saw him around Leesville Road High School, or has information about the June 19 shooting is asked to come forward.