Who killed Rikishi's niece? Ex-WWE star seeks 16-yr-old Jaedah Tofaeono's murderers
Wrestler Rikishi revealed that his 16-year-old niece was killed in a shooting in San Francisco earlier this summer and the culprits are yet to be apprehended by the police. Taking to his Instagram account, the former WWE star pleaded with his social media followers to help him catch the people who killed Jaedah Tofaeono.
"Need your help. They murdered my niece In the BAY AREA 16yrs old JAEDAH TOFAEONO PLEASE HELP FIND THESE MOTHERF**KERS Check it ..Spread the word #Coward #turnyourselfin #justiceforjaedahtofaeono #justice4jaedah #justiceforJaedah #repost ! #all4jae," he wrote in the caption alongside a crime bulletin from the San Francisco Police Department. Some of the other teens whose deaths made headlines recently include Mikayla Miller, Imani Bell, Luna Pantaleon and Ma'Khia Bryant.
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What happened to Jaedah Tofaeono?
According to the crime bulletin, officers at San Francisco’s Bayview Station responded to an alleged shooting on Friday, July 30, at approximately 6.45 pm. At the time of the horrific incident, 16-year-old Jaedah was reportedly sitting on her skateboard in the middle of the street near Bertha Lane and Hudson Avenue when she was killed. A 45-year-old woman was also injured in the alleged shooting. "Despite life-saving efforts, the 16-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased," the bulletin reads.
Meanwhile, the woman was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Despite the incident being over a month now, the culprits have not been caught. In a press conference held on the steps of San Francisco’s City Hall on August 5, the teen’s father, James Tofaeono, offered forgiveness to the culprits that killed his daughter. The name of the teen was withheld at the time but her family did add that she loved to dance, sing and play the piano. Describing his daughter, James said: “My daughter was a very loving girl who embraced whoever she came across.” While being comforted by his wife, he added, "I know everyone has their own views on what justice is and what it should be or how it should look. But the only justice we are seeking is peace.”
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Addressing the culprit(s) who took his daughter’s life, the father said: “I don’t know why, and I don’t know what you’re going through, but know this: we wish no harm. No hate, no grudge. We want you to know we forgive you. There are no hidden agendas nor are we pushing for revenge or retaliation.” He also had a message for the city of San Francisco as he urged the residents to “lead with love” to put an end to violence.
$50K award for info leading to arrest
In a statement, the SFPD confirmed it has authorized a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the "identification, arrest, and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for the murder." The crime bulletin also said the same. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Francis Graves directly at 1-415-553-9099. Information can also be submitted via the SFPD's 24-Hour Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or by sending a text message to Text-A-Tip at TIP411 and beginning the text message with SFPD.
People flocked to Rikishi's Instagram post to pay their condolences and prayers for his loss. "Sorry for your loss may true justice be served," one of them wrote, while another said, "Sorry @rikishi prayers up to you and your family Uce." A third remarked, "Sending love Uce. I am so so so sorry to hear this news." The next commented, "I’m so sorry, brother. Sending you all the prayers and good energy." A person reacted with, "Prayers for you Uce they need to catch them."