Loved ones remember 19-year-old Semar McClain, found shot in the head in Racine

RACINE (WITI) -- He had come to Racine to attend a funeral, and now, his family is preparing for his own. It was a somber evening on Sunday, August 3rd, as loved ones remembered Semar McClain -- gunned down in Racine last Tuesday evening, July 29th.

The mother of 19-year-old McClain is asking for your prayers. She's also looking for answers as to how her son died.

Semar McClain

Loved ones on Sunday worked to transform the back alley where McClain was found dead from a place of pain -- to a place of peace. The back alley near Blake Street and Albert Street was adorned with candles and balloons -- as loved ones held a vigil in McClain's honor.

Police say McClain was shot twice in the head.

"This is my son. I want to know," Marinda Cunningham said.

McClain is Cunningham's youngest son. She says she doesn't know who shot her son, or why.

"It's rough because it's something we've never dealt with," Cunningham said.

Cunningham says McClain was a free spirit, but also ambitious. She says he was good with his hands, and was deciding on a career -- possibly in electronics.

"Actually getting ready to go to college. He was working two jobs," Cunningham said.

Cunningham raised her kids in Racine, but they moved to St. Paul, Minnesota three years ago.

McClain had come back to Racine for a friend's funeral, who died following an asthma attack.

"He was a leader. I noticed that about him. That was one of things that drew me to him," Elder Quentin Bolton said. Bolton was McClain's mentor when he lived in Racine.

"He called me and told me he was back, so I was excited," Bolton said.

McClain called Bolton less than a week ago, to plan a reunion that wouldn't come to be.

"This young man, his dreams, his gifts, and ultimately his purpose has been stolen away from him," Bolton said.

The vigil in McClain's honor was led by the Racine Interfaith Coalition.

Police say this remains an active investigation.

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