City-parish leaders announce funeral fund, peace walk honoring slain 11-year-old

BATON ROUGE – City and parish leaders held a press conference with the family of an 11-year-old boy killed in a shooting last week, announcing plans to honor him and launch a fund to pay for his funeral to pay

Matthew Fortenberry was a star basketball player for Glen Oaks Park Elementary. He was a great student and someone who made an impact on friends, family and classmates.

Fortenberry and his basketball team were supposed to be honored at Wednesday’s Metro Council meeting.

“Matthew was supposed to be standing here where we are now, accepting a proclamation, celebrating his basketball championship. Yet here we are talking about his funeral service,” Councilman Darryl Hurst said.

Matthew Fortenberry’s parents, Michael Fortenberry and Francesca Isaac, were joined at Wednesday’s briefing by Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, District Attorney Hillar Moore and Councilman Darryl Hurst. The Matthew Fortenberry Funeral Expense Fund was established in partnership with b1Bank to provide some relief for Matthew’s family, the mayor’s office said.

Contributions can be made by calling or visiting your nearest b1Bank branch.

“We have to put the guns down. This has to stop,” said Matthew’s father, Michael. “Nothing’s changed. The only thing that’s changed is that it’s just my son. It’s going on every day. I’m sure not the only dad that’s going to be up here, I’m sure not the last.”

Michael Fortenberry also talked about how his son performed in the classroom.

“He would go to middle school after sixth grade. And just when I thought it would be hard on him in school, he showed me it wasn’t. His grades got better,” Michael said.

According to police, a 17-year-old Fortenberry and his family were allegedly held at gunpoint in a car. The teenage suspect, Kelton Maloid, was also wounded by gunfire during the encounter, but it is still unclear who shot him. Police believe Maloid tried to draw out one of the victims’ family members by holding the family captive.

“Let’s not let the death of Matthew Fortenberry be in vain,” said Mayor Broome. “Let’s honor his memory by taking concrete steps to end the senseless violence that has taken too many lives in our community.”

Hurst said the congregation will also host a parade celebrating Matthew and his teammates’ recent sports achievements at Glen Oaks Park Elementary, as well as a peace walk honoring Matthew’s life on April 29.

Read the statement from the mayor’s office below.

“District Attorney Hillar Moore, Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome and Councilor Darryl Hurst today announced the Matthew Fortenberry Funeral Expense Fund with b1Bank. The fund was established to assist the family with the funeral expenses for 11-year-old Matthew Fortenberry. Donations to the Matthew Fortenberry Funeral Expense Fund can be made at any b1Bank location. Cash and checks are accepted. Find the nearest b1Bank by calling 877-614-7600 or visit b1BANK.com”