Family of ex-FAMU player killed by officer speaks

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A former Florida A&M University football player was shot multiple times and killed by a North Carolina police officer while trying to get help after a car accident.

The family of the victim, 24-year-old Jonathan Ferrell, spoke Monday.

"He was very loving. Jonathan gave me hugs," said Georgia Ferrell, Jonathan's mother. "I got texts now. Jon would just text me and say, 'Mama, I love you.'"

Jonathan Ferrell was shot multiple times by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Randall Kerrick after trying to get help after an early morning car accident Saturday. Ferrell was unarmed when he was shot.

Jonathan Ferrell

"Especially in a situation like this, even though this did happen, Jonathan would always, no matter if someone did something to him, he would always want to forgive them," said Willie Ferrell, Jonathan's brother.

Jonathan Ferrell was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting. Kerrick was booked into jail on voluntary manslaughter charges. He was later released on a $50,000 bond.

"He was gunned down, shot in cold blood by this officer. This is just senseless," family attorney Chris Chestnut said.

Ferrell played for FAMU and was apart of the team's 2010 national championship, alongside his brother Willie.

"Jonathan told me that no matter what, he was always going to be there and protect me," Willie said.

The family and their attorney say they will do what it takes to seek justice.

"There's still other answers, questions that we're seeking answers to that perhaps law enforcement cannot answer," Chestnut said.

Jonathan Ferrell moved to Charlotte from Tallahassee earlier this year. He was on the roster for the football team at FAMU in 2009 and 2010.