Kennedi Eunece Braziel, an 18-year-old African American female, tragically lost her life on June 12, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. Kennedi was a high school student and a mother, leaving behind a 9-month-old baby boy. On the morning of her death, Kennedi and her friend, 19-year-old D'Yani Thomas, were celebrating Thomas' graduation. The two young women, along with a third passenger, were in a car near North Star Mall when they were ambushed by gunmen who fired up to 50 rounds at their vehicle.
Kennedi and Thomas were killed in the attack, while the third passenger survived but was critically injured.
The shooting occurred around 5 a.m. on the access road of Loop 410 near Blanco. Authorities recovered dozens of shell casings at the scene, indicating that a gun consistent with an AK-47 was used in the attack. The car was found riddled with bullet holes, and the victims were identified as the driver and front-seat passenger. The Castle Hills Police Department, which is handling the investigation, has stated that they do not have any leads or a clear motive for the shooting. They are currently reviewing surveillance video from the area and have asked the public for any information that could help identify the suspects.
Kennedi's family, including her mother Krystal Braziel and her grandfather Unice Braziel, a military veteran and pastor, have been vocal in their grief and their call for stricter gun regulations. They believe that combat weapons like the AK-47 used in the shooting should not be on the streets. The family has expressed their devastation over the loss of Kennedi, who they described as a young woman who had not yet begun to live her life. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice for Kennedi and the other victims.
