Kionte Spencer's birth mom speaks out first time since fatal shooting

ROANOKE (WSLS10) - On Saturday, the Justice for Kionte Spencer Coalition hosted an event to celebrate the teen's life.Kionte Spencer would have turned 19 years old this month. Spencer died in February after being fatally shot by police.

"It makes me feel happy that he has all these friends who are standing by him to fight for justice" Antonia Askew, Kionte's birth mother said.

Askew was living in Richmond at the time of Kionte's death and she didn't believe at the time it was him.

"I didn't think it was literally my son, I was like oh I feel sorry for the person who lost their son, but when I found it was my son I just literally broke down and cried," Askew said.

According to Roanoke County Police, when Kionte was 2 years old he was removed from his biological parents because of abuse. He was in and out of foster programs and Spencer arrived in Roanoke.

She's happy so many people are supporting her family. Askew said she wants to people to understand her son Kionte was really shy.

"Kionte was a very sweet person, he was shy he was quiet but he was one of those who everybody loved as you can see," Askew said.

Now, as she grieves the loss of her son she is looking for justice for Kionte.

"It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow but it's coming God tells me that justice will be served," Askew said.

Kionte's brother carl says he's currently in talks to find out if any civil lawsuits can filed against the Roanoke County Police Department.

Virginia Commonwealth's Attorney Randy Leach said the officers were justified in fatally shooting Kionte Spencer.