Valley Teen Murdered in Stabbing Laid to Rest as Family Demands Justice

Fifteen-year-old Jaylen Reeves was fatally stabbed in November at a park in Ahwatukee, and so far, no arrests have been made by Phoenix Police.

His family and friends gathered in Chandler on Sunday to honor his memory during a funeral service. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as attendees shared heartfelt stories about the young athlete.

“We called him our golden boy,” remarked Carla Medina-Reeves, Jaylen’s grandmother. She described him as loving and positive from a young age.

Videos and photos displayed Jaylen’s passion for football, showcasing moments from his time at Mountain Pointe High School. His grandmother noted that he had aspirations of joining the NFL.

“I would have loved to have seen him flourish,” she added, reflecting on what might have been.

Phoenix police reported that Jaylen was socializing with friends at the park near 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard when a confrontation erupted. During the altercation, Jaylen was stabbed and succumbed to his injuries later. Investigators have spoken to witnesses and collected evidence, identifying one teen involved, but no arrests have occurred.

Medina-Reeves expressed her family’s hope for justice, stating, “There’s no closure right now. We are able to celebrate his life, and I think closure is going to happen when justice is served.”

The community has shown support by creating a memorial at the site where Jaylen was killed. This initiative has provided solace to the grieving family during this challenging time.

To help cover memorial expenses, the family has established a GoFundMe page. They continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Phoenix Police Department or submit anonymous tips via Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS, 480-TESTIGO, or silentwitness.org.