‘A hero’: 13-year-old killed shielding younger sister from gunfire at apartment complex

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA/Gray News) - A 13-year-old Louisiana boy who was killed while shielding his younger sister from gunfire at an apartment complex’s basketball court is being hailed as a hero.

Sha’michal Russell, 13, was among three children shot last Monday on a basketball court at a Shreveport apartment complex after a shooter fired multiple rounds from a distance, according to Shreveport Police. He later died from his injuries at the hospital.

Jessica Haley, who serves as the Shreveport Police Department’s chaplain, is Sha’michal’s aunt. She says the 13-year-old was trying to protect his younger sister when the gunfire erupted.

“He was shielding his 3-year-old sister at the park to keep her from being hit by the bullets,” Haley said. “He is a hero, a loving heart. He is a hero. He shielded his own sister.”

Thanks to her brother, Sha’michal’s sister was not among the children injured in the shooting.

Family remembers Sha’michal as a playful boy who loved his sister

For his actions, Sha’michal will posthumously receive the Youth Heroism Award from the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as the Uvalde Foundation. The award recognizes young people nationwide who demonstrate exceptional courage, compassion and a willingness to help others in moments of crisis.

The 13-year-old will be the first teenager to receive the award posthumously.

Family members remember Sha’michal as a loving, playful boy who was quick to help neighbors, loved sports, made others laugh and cared deeply for his sister.

“Sha’michal’s family has told us about a boy who loved his little sister and tried to protect her,” said Daniel Chapin, founder and president of the foundation. “He was only 13 years old. He should still be here growing up with his family. We want to recognize the courage his family described and make sure people remember Sha’michal for the life he lived and the person he was.”

The foundation has launched an emergency fundraiser to assist Sha’michal’s family with funeral and memorial expenses. Additional funds may provide emergency support to the two surviving victims, ages 2 and 17, and their families once their needs are verified.

“We want the money raised for these families to actually get to these families,” Chapin said. “We’re going to take the time to verify who we need to work with and how the funds should be delivered, and then, we’ll get the assistance where it is needed.”

Police charge 19-year-old cousins in shooting

Shreveport Police say two cousins – Javion and Alonzo Abbott, both 19 – have been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting that killed Sha’michal.

Javion Abbott is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.

Alonzo Abbott is charged with one count of principal to second-degree murder and two counts of principal to attempted second-degree murder.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are possible.