‘I would’ve taken his place any day’: Tacoma couple remembers son shot, killed on Valentine’s Day

A Tacoma couple is remembering their son after he was shot and killed on Valentine’s Day.

Tacoma police are searching for at least one suspect after a reported shooting on South G Street in Tacoma Friday at about 1 a.m.

The victim was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.

“He only stepped out a few hours and it cost him his life,” said Chanel Jackson, mother.

Jackson told KIRO 7 News that her son, Kadony Robbins, 18, was hanging out with some friends at a gathering at his girlfriend’s mother’s home.

When things got a little rowdy outside, her son tried to deescalate the situation and told everyone to go home, she said.

The mother and stepfather of Kadony Robbins speak to KIRO7 News. (Photo: KIRO7)

Moments later, her son was shot and killed.

A neighbor told KIRO 7 News that the shooting happened outside of the apartment building.

The parents told us that they believe the suspects are children.

“I’m hearing they’re 15 and 16 years old,” said Josh Holdway, stepfather. “He was so young. He was 18. He was only 18 for three months. He didn’t even get a chance to start life.”

“There’s going to be a lot of different people affected and hurt by this, his friends, his girlfriend, his classmates, the people from his program, his coworkers,” he added.

The parents said their son had a big personality and was very charismatic. While Robbins enjoyed woodwork, his biggest passion in life was rapping, they added.

A friend of the victim shared the following statement with us:

“He was the kindest person you’d meet, he’d always make you laugh or smile no matter how upset or happy you may be it’s like he had a master key to making others around him happy even if he wasn’t doing to well himself. I’ll miss him forever and hope that he gets the justice he deserves,” the friend wrote.

KIRO 7 News reached out to the Tacoma Police Department to get more details about the suspect(s), including their age.

We’re still waiting to hear back.

The mother told KIRO 7 News that she is not angry at the suspect(s).

“It’s not a hurt game because they’re already going to spend the rest of their lives, and I don’t have my son for the rest of my life, so forgiveness is what looks better for me,” she said.

The family said a vigil is scheduled Saturday evening to remember their loved one.

A GoFundMe was created to help the family during this difficult time.