ROANOKE – The father of a Roanoke teen shot and killed this week is speaking exclusively to WSLS.
Nickalas Lee's father, Darrell Lee, read a prepared statement Sunday primarily directed at whoever killed his son.
Just after 12:15 a.m. Thursday, Roanoke police responded to the 2300 block of Tuckawana Circle NW for a report of shots fired and found Nickalas Lee, 17, with multiple gunshot wounds at the Countryside Estates apartment complex.
Lee died about an hour later at the hospital.
"The world will tell you that to snitch is bad; it's terrible. However, that is a lie from the pit of hell. God says in his word to do what is right even if it puts you at risk," Darrell Lee emphasized. "So what is right is to tell the police who shot Nickalas."
Nickalas' father acknowledges that the family's public statement may not bring his son's killer to justice any sooner, but says the statement is about more than that.
"If you want to change your hood to protect it, then become a police officer or a firefighter-EMT. Clean up the streets. Mow your neighbor's grass. Do something that has meaning and respects the lives of others," said Lee.
"You want to find a place where you fit in; where you're loved and someone cares for you? Then you'll find a place in Christ," he continued.
An emotional plea from a father on Father's Day, hoping this tragedy can help prevent even just one more.
"I thank God for allowing me to be Nickalas' father. I love Nickalas. I miss him," Lee said as he struggled to hold back tears.
Anyone with any information can call the Roanoke Police Department's tip line at (540) 344-8500.