Vigil plaed Friday night for North Long Beach teen killed Tuesday

Maria Casiano-Smith grappled with a terrifying fact as she sat in her living room surrounded by family Thursday night — her son was dead.

Geron Beard Lacy, 16, touched many lives, his mother said, her cheeks wet with tears. He was a sweet, smart child who wanted to be an engineer. He loved his family and he loved animals, especially cats. He had a way with words and loved to rap. He loved technology. He played the lead in a production of “James and the Giant Peach,” at their church, Light and Life Community Center.

“My son was beautiful,” Casiano-Smith said. “I’m hurt.”

Steps from home

Lacy was playing basketball Tuesday evening at Ramona Park, across the street from the small, cozy home he and his mother lived in for the last four years, his uncle Antonio Gilbreath said.

According to a preliminary Long Beach police investigation, Lacy was swept up in a fight while at the park. His assailants left for a short time before they retued and opened fire.

Lacy was walking back to his mother’s house when he was shot, Gilbreath said, standing outside the home. His body lay within eyesight his front door.

“My son will never graduate,” Casiano-Smith said. “He’ll never go to prom. He’ll never have children. I don’t understand why things have happened the way they have. I miss my son.”

She sunk further down into her armchair. Her head tilted back as she sobbed.

A call for peace

The hardest part will be forgiveness, said Lacy’s sister, Trice Casiano, in an email Thursday.

“And I know I have to forgive them cause I can’t get into heaven angry ... Hateful.. Or bitter,” Casiano said. “I don’t want my brother’s death to be avenged by more gun gang violence. Our streets and our state needs peace.”

Lacy’s family is plaing a candlelight vigil, 6:30 p.m. Friday at the coer of 65th Street and Obispo Avenue. Those who attend are asked to bring candles.

Remembering a life

Lacy was bo Nov. 19, 1999, to Gregory Lacy and Maria Casiano-Smith, Casiano said. He attended Creative Arts Preschool, the Doris Topsy-Elvord Academy, Jordan High School and S.E.A. Charter School, and was a quick, hands-on leaer.

He was attending Opportunities For Leaing, a public charter high school, at the time of his death, Casiano-Smith said.

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Though she was nine years older than him, Lacy sometimes seemed like an older brother because he always looked out for her, Casiano said.

“He was a joyous and vibrant child that loved to be outdoors and any time of day or night,” she said. “He loved the beach, going fishing with our family, bike riding and amusement parks. As a young child he was always dancing and singing to anything that came on the radio.”

Investigation continues

Whether one or more shooters were involved in Lacy’s death is still undetermined police said.

No arrests have been made and police are investigating the shooting as possibly gang-related.

Lacy, however, was not involved in gang life, Gilbreath and Casiano-Smith said.

Additional information about the investigation was not available Thursday afteoon, said Sgt. Bradley Johnson, a police spokesman.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detail at 562-570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.