KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Heartfelt messages were read aloud to Angel Hooper’s parents on Sunday night. A six-year-old hundreds say is already extremely missed.
First grader Angel Hooper was shot and killed at a 7-Eleven on Friday night. She went inside to get some bubblegum, but when she came out someone opened fire.
Monday afternoon, a tweet from the KC Police twitter account said: “Despite there being many witnesses on scene, we have received just 1 tip in murder of 6-y.o. Angle Hooper Fri @ south KC 7-11”.
On Sunday, hundreds gathered to spread the word and say goodbye to their little Angel.
“We know you’re looking at us,” one friend said holding a candle to the sky.
Some say her name is Angel for a reason. A little girl they now say is watching over them.
“It was funny because we were watching videos in the car of her, and one of them she was singing. She was a rock star. So I just think of this of her concert,” Angel’s cousin, Ashley Newson, said.
It resembled a concert; an outpouring of love from the community. People as far as the eye could see, all came to say goodbye to six-year-old Angel Hooper.
“I am so sorry. It was a privilege to get to spend the days with her and I thank you for sharing her with me,” Angel’s first grade teacher, Kim Walter, said.
Her Kindergarten and first grade teachers say Angel was one of the brightest students in class, always offering a helping hand to other kids.
“She was the kindest, most loving child and just brilliant. Qualified for the gifted and talented program. Just a little walking genius,” Walter said.
“I’m gonna miss her a lot. I love her. If you need anything, I am here. You raised the best little girl on the planet and I miss her a lot,” Angel’s Kindergarten teacher, Brittany Hands, said.
Angel’s parents sat and listened, holding each other’s hands tight, while the six-year-old’s friends boasted about how perfect she was.
“One of my favorite things about Angel is that she loved to dance with me. We loved to watch movies together,” friend Imani Adger said.
But along with the fond memories comes pain.
“I’m not gonna let it rest. I’m 57 years old and I’m not gonna let it rest till they brought to justice,” one family member shouted.
Angel was in the first grade. Her teacher says there will now be a huge hole in her class.
“I don’t even know what it’s gonna be like tomorrow…to go in there, and not have her with me. I am so sorry,” said Walter.
These people say they’ve never felt this type of pain, but there’s something in them with peace, knowing they’ve gained a guardian angel.
“To Angel,” family said holding candles to the sky.
No arrests have been made in Angel’s case. If you know anything call the CrimeStoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.
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