CHICAGO (AP) — The mother of a slain Chicago teen has told mourners at her funeral that she tried to keep her daughter busy so she would be out of harm’s way in a city plagued by gun violence.
Cleopatra Pendleton said no mother or father should have to bear such a loss. She said that for those in the packed church who know what that pain is like, she was sorry.
Fifteen-year-old Hadiya (hi-DEE’-uh) Pendleton was shot and killed just a few days after performing with the King College Prep band as part of the events surrounding President Barack Obama’s inauguration. Police say Pendleton was an innocent victim in a gang-related shooting.
First lady Michelle Obama was among a long list of dignitaries who attended Saturday’s funeral.
