The family of 16-year-old Steven Carroll Jr., affectionately known as “Buddah,” is demanding answers and justice after the teenager was shot and killed in Las Vegas. As loved ones mourn the devastating loss, they are remembering a young athlete with a caring heart whose life was cut short far too soon.
According to reporting by News 3 Las Vegas, Carroll was a football and basketball player at Mater Academy East. His mother, Mekala Hal, said her son had left home to check on his cousin, who was reportedly involved in a dispute with the father of her child. Carroll never made it back home.
“He was the light of my life,” Hal said through tears as family members supported her during the difficult moment. She described her son as their baby boy, emphasizing that he was only 16 years old and had his whole life ahead of him.
Carroll’s father, Steven Carroll, remembered his son as someone who genuinely cared about other people. He believes his son’s willingness to help others was part of what led him into the situation that ultimately cost him his life.
The family is also pushing back against what they describe as misconceptions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Hal strongly rejected claims portraying her son’s death as gang-related violence, insisting that he was innocent and that the family deserves a clear understanding of what happened.
His grandmother, Delona Partridge, echoed the family’s call for answers and urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to authorities. She also spoke about the devastating impact gun violence continues to have on families and communities.
“We don’t want street justice. We want justice for Buddah,” Partridge said, emphasizing that the family is seeking accountability rather than retaliation.
As the Carroll family navigates its grief, friends, relatives and members of the school community are coming together to honor the teenager’s memory. A candlelight vigil was planned at Mater Academy East to remember Carroll and support those mourning his death. A barbecue and bake sale fundraiser was also organized to help the family with funeral expenses.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family during this difficult time.
For Carroll’s loved ones, the loss extends far beyond the headlines. They are mourning a son, grandson, relative and friend whose life was filled with promise and who, according to his family, cared deeply about the people around him.
The family continues to appeal to anyone with information about the circumstances surrounding Carroll’s death to contact law enforcement. They hope that answers will emerge and that those responsible will be held accountable.
As they grieve, their message remains clear: They want justice for Steven “Buddah” Carroll Jr. and hope his story will encourage others to speak up and help prevent further violence.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
