Mother of fatally shot 7-year-old: ‘He had so much to live for'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A heartbroken mother shared a photograph of her son with Channel 9 Tuesday. Kevin Rodas, 7, was shot and killed over Labor Day weekend while he was at a birthday party.

Maria Gladys Rodas Amaya would light up any time she spoke about her son. It was quickly followed by tears and sorrow, knowing she’ll never see him again.

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The mother and relatives had just returned from visiting his grave site. It was the first time Maria had visited the cemetery since her son was laid to rest Sunday.

Although she spoke only Spanish, it was still very easy to grasp the pain in her voice, the hurt in her eyes, when talking about her only son.

Maria's world went dark over Labor Day weekend when Kevin was killed in a drive-by shooting during his cousin's birthday party.

Maria said she was waiting in her car because the two planned to leave as soon as he got his candy.

Then gunfire erupted. The mother ran to her son.

Maria only has memories of Kevin, who she described as smart and loving. He was very happy to start school.

As for those responsible for her son's death, Maria believes they will have to answer to God, but she also wants justice so that another parent won't have to feel the indescribable pain she's enduring.

“The punishment will come from God,” she said. “Because he had so much to live for.”

The mother believes someone has information on the people responsible for her son's death.

She's asking them to not be afraid to tell police what they know.

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