For the first time since her 16‑year‑old son was shot and killed last week, Abigail Byfield is sharing her grief — and her urgent call for justice.
“This is not real,” said Byfield. “I just want to tell him that I love him so much and we miss him so much… I’m still looking for him to come home from school.”
Marquise was shot inside a corner store shortly after leaving school. His mother describes him as a loving, typical teenager who loved video games and was preparing for his first summer job.
“He didn’t deserve any of this," said Byfield. "He was just trying to come home from school. Just a normal teenager.”
Police have not released details about the shooter. Byfield says the only information she’s heard is that the suspect may also be a young person.
She’s pleading for anyone with information to come forward.
“How are these kids obtaining guns? questioned Byfield. "Marquise deserves justice. If anybody has anything, say something. Help get justice for my baby.”
“We see so much violence happening right before spring and summer. Now is the opportunity to have clergy outside the four walls and in the street.”
Byfield says her last interaction with her son was heartbreakingly ordinary.
“I told him I loved him and I’d see him later," said Byfield. "He took the trash out. That’s the last time he’ll take the trash out.”