Man killed by CMPD officer to be laid to rest Saturday

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Coach Earl Holmes spoke to Eyewitness News not far from the football field at Florida A&M University, where he got to know Jonathan Ferrell. It's about 2 miles from where Ferrell's funeral will be held Saturday. Police say Ferrell was shot and killed by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer two weeks ago.

The funeral is on the mind of the players and coaches practicing Friday night.

"He was a happy-go-lucky kid, but more importantly, he always believed in working hard," Holmes said.

Holmes said Ferrell was a family man and a good kid who loved the game.

It was before a football game that coach got the news. Ferrell had been shot and killed.

"I said, 'Jonathan Ferrell? Are you sure?'" the coach said.

Not long after, Holmes went to see the Ferrell family, talking mostly about memories with Ferrell's mother and his siblings.

"We talked about Jonathan of course and she said, 'Thank you for looking out for my son,'" Holmes said.

Holmes said he's heard many stories about what happened that night in Charlotte, but it doesn't all fit together.

He said he would like some answers, not for himself, but for Ferrell's family.

"I want to make sure the family can rest knowing the facts," Holmes said.

Jonathan Ferrell's funeral is in his hometown of Tallahassee, Fla.

Officer Randall Kerrick is charged with voluntary manslaughter for shooting and killing Ferrell two weeks ago. Police say Ferrell did not have a weapon.

Police said Ferrell ran at officers after scaring a woman by banging on her door. They think he needed help after a car crash.

There will also be a memorial service for Ferrell at Temple Church International on Tuckaseegee Road in Charlotte at 11 a.m. Saturday.

WSOC