New Hope, Minnesota – A father mourns the loss of his 16-year-old son, Keair Reed, who was fatally shot in the eye and passed away at the hospital days later. Cary Reed, the grieving father, remembers his son fondly, describing him as a beautiful kid who will forever remain in their memories.
The tragic incident occurred on September 18th in a home near 60th and Quebec Avenues North in New Hope. The suspected shooter, 17-year-old Anthony Wirtjes, has been charged with 2nd-degree manslaughter, with efforts underway to try him as an adult by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
According to court documents, Wirtjes initially claimed to investigators that he was asleep and woke up to a gunshot, suggesting that Reed had shot himself. However, evidence at the scene and witness testimonies contradicted Wirtjes’ account, leading police to determine that he was responsible for the fatal shot to Reed’s eye.
In addition to the manslaughter charge, Wirtjes is also facing charges related to possessing a “ghost gun,” a firearm assembled from untraceable parts often obtained in separate pieces or as a kit. As Cary Reed grapples with the loss of his son, he seeks answers and closure, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth for his peace of mind.
To support the teen’s final arrangements, Reed’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign, highlighting the community’s effort to come together in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy. Keair Reed’s memory lives on, cherished by his loved ones as they navigate this difficult time of mourning and seeking justice.