Chris Foster’s life won’t ever be the identical. The 17-year-old junior at Benjamin Russell Excessive Faculty attended Alexis Dowdell’s Candy 16 get together in downtown Dadeville, Alabama on April 15. Alexis was his ex-girlfriend, however he was nonetheless cordial together with her and buddies together with her brother, Phil Dowdell.
That evening, 32 individuals have been injured and 4 individuals died. Philstavious “Phil” Dowdell, 18; Siah Collins, 19; Shaunkivia “Keke” Smith, 17; and Corbin Holston, 23. Along with being Phil’s good friend, Foster went to promenade with Smith in 2022.
Six younger Black males have been arrested and charged in connection to the capturing: Willie George Brown Jr., 19, of Auburn, Johnny Letron Brown, 20, of Tuskegee, Wilson LaMar Hill Jr., 20, of Auburn, Travis McCullough, 16, of Tuskegee, Tyreese “Ty Reik” McCullough, 17, of Tuskegee and a juvenile, 15, of Tuskegee.
At Phil and Smith’s candlelight vigil in Camp Hill, Alabama, on April 20, Foster opened as much as rolling out about his traumatic week.
What did Phil imply to you?
Quite a bit. Extra like a brother. I used to go together with his little sister. I nonetheless speak to her and ensure she’s all proper. He at all times informed me to handle his mama and little sister if he have been to go someplace.
Have been you on the get together?
Sure, sir. I used to be there … when that occurred.
What do you bear in mind from that evening?
A whole lot of enjoyable, [Phil’s] smile, as everybody’s stated. Females [were there]. That’s about it.
How have you ever dealt with the tragedy?
It’s been robust. They are saying don’t query God, however personally, I don’t assume it was his time to go, however they are saying don’t query God, so I assume it was his time to go.
How has this modified your life?
Fairly robust, man. You at all times see it all over the place else, , and also you wouldn’t assume it might hit so near residence in our hometown.
How hurtful was it to know the entire six suspects arrested have been Black, part of our personal group?
I don’t know. I’ve heard so many tales about how they grew up, nevertheless it’s been robust. It’s been a troublesome capsule to swallow.
What can individuals do that can assist you?
Nothing however love and keep collectively. Present me, I assume, methods to assist me cope, and present me methods to cope with this type of tragedy.
Have you ever been proven that love over the previous couple of days?
Sure, sir. My household. His household.
And also you simply need individuals to proceed to indicate up for you want that shifting ahead?
Sure, sir.
What message do you wish to ship to anyone studying or watching this proper now?
When you get into it with someone, at the least struggle them, don’t attempt to shoot them. Put the weapons up as a result of this might have been prevented or averted.
Why do you assume individuals flip to weapons so rapidly now? Do you assume music performs an element in any of it?
It may be something. What they’re going via, you by no means know what someone’s going via or what they’re pondering. This particular person could also be with someone that hates you and issues simply go unsuitable. Most of it’s the music, I assume.
