Friends remember slain teen in Colorado Springs

Friends of fatal shooting victim Desmond Smith, 14, shared memories of him at a memorial created Sunday to honor him.

“He was my best friend,” said Sarah Hunt, 14. “I came (to middle school) in 7th grade and he was the first friend that I had. He stuck by me. He was there to smile, to hug, you know? He was like a brother.”

Several people stopped by the Memorial Park scene where Smith died to leave flowers, stuffed animals and balloons with sports themes.

“He was pretty good at basketball,” said Lee Goeas, 13, a teammate. “He was a good kid. Really friendly. The last time I saw him was a couple of weeks ago.”

The shooting happened around 2 a.m. Saturday, well after the park’s 11 p.m. closing time and the city’s midnight curfew for teens on weekends.

“I wonder why (Smith) was out there so late with an older teen and two adults,” said Patricia Padeway, Goeas’ mother. “I know my son wouldn’t be out that late, but I don’t know what (Smith’s) situation at home was.”

Hunt said it wasn’t unusual for Smith to be out late with friends.

“But he never goes anywhere by himself,” she said. “I’m not sure if there were other kids his age with him when he was killed.”

Police say enforcing the curfew is difficult because some parents may have little or no control over their kids staying out late.

“The exception to the curfew is going to or from work,” said Lt. Patricia Feese. “Usually, it’s not a problem. Our officers patrol parks after hours regularly because kids tend to gather there. Occasionally, we’ll have to bring a kid home. If there’s a repeat offender, we’ll issue a citation.”

A candlelight vigil is being planned for Smith at 8 p.m. Friday at North Middle School where he attended.

“I’m just glad that I got to be in his life,” Hunt said.

Police have yet to reveal a motive in the shooting. Three men — ages 35, 31 and 18 — were arrested in connection with Smith’s death.