NORTH LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It’s been a year since a UNLV student was shot and killed as he was leaving a house party near Fort Apache and Sunset.
Desiree Fahey-Rice, the mother of 23-year-old Raheem Rice, said it’s been a difficult year for her but with the help of family and her faith she has been doing the best she can to deal with the loss of her son.
"A huge part of me was ripped away and I don't know if that would ever or could ever be repaired," said Fahey-Rice.
More than year after Raheem’s promising future was snuffed out by a bullet, Fahey-Rice still waits on justice even though she is painfully aware it might not bring her more than just a small measure of solace.
"I think it would provide some relief but he's still not here,” she said.
Rice was studying kinesiology and had everything going for him. As he was leaving a party outside a home near Fort Apache and Sunset early June 3, 2018, someone in a black sedan fired shots into a crowd striking Raheem and a 17-year-old who survived.
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Weeks later with few leads and no witnesses talking, Las Vegas police asked for tips. But as the anniversary of his death has come and gone, no suspect has been named and no arrests have been made in the case. His family will mark his passing with a special memorial service Saturday morning to celebrate his life.
"Just taking the time to remember him and to reflect on the good, not the bad. Just reflect on the good, keep him in memory and talk about him,” Fahey-Rice said. “Just a great kid, his smile was amazing. Just infectious.”
A representative from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department will be on hand at the memorial service to update the public on the case and once again ask for assistance in finding Raheem’s killer.
"He's still my baby even though he's not physically here with us anymore,” she said.” He's still my baby."
Fahey-Rice said anyone who wishes to celebrate her son's life is welcome, The service begins at 10 a.m. at Palm Mortuary located at 6701 N. Jones in North Las Vegas.
