JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The teenager who killed his brother has not been charged. The director of an after-school program they both attended remembers the older brother having mental issues.
No charges have been filed against 14-year-old Keith Simmons, who police say stabbed his 15-year-old adopted brother, Kaheem Simmons to death on Wednesday night.
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Both teenagers used to be involved in an after school program they attended at MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation.
The foundation promotes ‘academic achievement and positive life skills in Jacksonville youth through the game of tennis,” according to their website.
Terri Florio, executive director, MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation says Keith and his 15-year-old brother were very involved in the foundation even before they were teenagers, but switched schools and were no longer able to make most of the after school programs.
“They liked sports, they liked doing activities, all the boys played tennis,” Floria said. “They all had a good time while they were here.”
Florio did however indicate that she thought there was more to the tragedy that occurred Wednesday night.
“It was certainly surprising, I know Kaheem had some mental health issues, he was a nice boy, but he did have some mental health issues,” Florio said. “I know that was very challenging, but the fact that is escalated to the point of what happened, it was very sad.”
The foundation director who knew the boys’ mother described her as a loving, caring person.
“The mom is a very loving mom with four very active boys and she adopted them when they were very, very young,” said Flroio. “She did everything she could to love them, to care for them, and give them what they needed. She is very engaged, and she tried to do whatever she could for all the boys in the family.”
Florio also said the family still participates in community events and the younger brothers attended most of the programs.
“Even though there were some issues, they were always happy when they were here,” Florio said. “They had a lot of opportunities here, a lot of things they could do here, when they were here they were always engaged.”
The Department of Children and Families and police are still investigating the stabbing.
News4Jax will keep you updated with any developments in this story on-air and online.