Thursday, 4:30 PM
Funeral today for slain gang member working for peace
(David L Ryan / Globe Staff)
At a funeral this morning at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Roxbury, Boston police stood near the hearse that carried the body of Jahmol A. Norfleet, a gang leader who was shot in the head as he worked to preserve a gang truce.
By Globe Staff
There was an increased police presence at a funeral at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church today for a 20-year-old man who was working for peace between two rival gangs but was fatally shot last month.
Jahmol A. Norfleet, a 20-year-old leader of the H-Block gang, had been helping keep a truce with the rival Heath Street gang in Jamaica Plain. He was gunned down in front of his grandmother's house in Roxbury. His sister was grazed by a bullet. Police are looking for the shooters.
The Reverend Miniard Culpepper held a funeral this morning for Norfleet at the one-room church on Humboldt Avenue in Roxbury that can be seen from the home where he was raised by his grandmother
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino released the following statement:
"Today we remember a young man who helped change his neighborhood from a place of violence to a community of peace.
"Jahmol Norfleet made mistakes in life but in the past year turned it around by taking classes to get his GED, working a steady job, and attending weekly church services. He should be considered a role model to all young people faced with making difficult choices.
"Our thought and prayers are with the family and friend of Jahmol Norfleet. It is our hope that his mission for peace won't be forgotten."
(George Rizer/Globe Staff)
Jamhol Norfleet was fatally shot near his home on Holworthy Street.
