BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Guidance is paramount in child development. It sets children on a path to better lives. Laquresha Brown says that her nephew Ramide Cosey was on the right path. Unfortunately, on Jan. 1 of this year, he lost his life in a deadly shooting. He was only 15 years old.

Now, the teen's family is honoring him and challenging adults.

"Stop being cowards and stand up for what's right. Stop sending kids to do your dirty work because these kids are being guided by adults," said Brown.

Brown has since moved from Baton Rouge, saying she fears for the future of her own children in a city riddled with crime. She used to be much closer to her family and her home was a safe space for Ramide and others.

"What they would do is, they would come to my house for refuge," said Brown. "Any time during the year on weekends you could find anywhere from 10-15 kids at my house. We cooked pans of food, we're talking about what happened at school with kids and teachers, what may be going on at home."

Today was supposed to be Ramide's 16th birthday. His aunt knew they had to celebrate him, and biking downtown came to mind. Geaux Ride's owners quickly agreed to make a ride happen, opening its doors on a day it typically wouldn't and hopefully, bringing some ease to a day that is sitting heavy on many of their hearts.

"Just waking up this morning and feeling the way that I felt. I knew we had to do something in remembrance of him and the violence that has continued in abundance in this city," said Brown. "It has to stop."

According to BRPD's crime trend analysis page, homicide is up 6.5 percent year to date. Theft, burglary, and assault have also seen increased cases.

Brown hopes the community can begin finding a way to turn things around and set a better example for the youth.

"We really feel like Ramide is still here with us and get into action," said Brown. "We all should as a city come together and get in action in order to reverse this violence."

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