Father remembers teen killed in shooting; Suspected shooter receives higher charges

The father of the teenager who was shot in the eye and died in the hospital days later is pushing for more answers as he remembers and honors his son.

“As you can see, he’s a beautiful boy,” Cary Reed told 5 EYEWTNESS NEWS about the picture of his 16-year-old son, Keair Reed, on his shirt.

“We love him. He will always be remembered,” Cary added.

According to police, Reed was shot to death on September 18 at a home near 60^Th and Quebec Avenues North in New Hope. He died six days later, and now the suspected shooter, 17-year-old Anthony Wirtjes, is charged with second-degree manslaughter.

The Hennepin County District Attorney’s Office is also working to try him as an adult.

According to court documents, Wirtjes told investigators he was sleeping and woke up to a gunshot – and also told them he thought Reed had shot himself.

However, police say evidence at the crime scene and the statements of two witnesses contradicted Wirtjes’ story. Later, the Wirtjes police initially “investigated” the shot that hit Reed in the eye.

Wirtjes is also accused of having a “ghost gun,” a weapon made from untraceable parts and often purchased as a kit or in pieces.

Now, as Cary holds on to the memories of his son, he pushes for more answers.

“I can’t bring him back. No one can, but the truth would bring me some peace,” Cary said.

Reed’s family has started a GoFundMe program to help pay for the teen’s final expenses