Classmates remember student shot, killed one year later

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It has been a year since a student at Charlotte United Christian Academy was shot and killed in east Charlotte.

K.C. Curry, 17, would have been a senior this year. His teachers and friends said Monday they've spent this past year working to turn this tragedy into something positive.

Curry was known for his contagious personality, his sense of humor and kind words.

"He was very caring loveable, energetic. He always had a positive thing to say." said fellow classmate Violet Kemei.

Curry's former Spanish teacher, Kimberly Kyle, said Curry was "the most loveable kid. He was a hard worker."

It's been exactly a year since police arrested five teens in Curry's shooting death over an act of "apparent disrespect." Police say Curry didn't know any of the men but said the shooting stemmed from an issue involving a girl.

Curry's death came as a shock to his classmates. He would have been one of the 15 seniors to graduate this year.

"It's been hard because seeing an empty chair in class and knowing he was going to sit there ... and then he didn't," said senior Salem Cuthbertson.

A prayer was held Monday at the beginning of the day for Curry and each student took part in remembering him by writing on posters in the hallway. They also sent flowers and a card to his mom.

"There have been some amazing things that have happened since KC passed and opportunities to share his story," said teacher Greg Carpenter

Since his death students have used art as an outlet to channel their pain. This spring, their work was displayed in The Mint Museum as part of an exhibit called "Justice for KC, Stop the Violence." They also dedicated the yearbook to him as well.

Students dedicated last year's yearbook to Curry.

The teen accused as the trigger man was sentenced to 13 years in jail last week. Dedric McKenzie pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

A judge told him he needed to straighten out his life and Curry's mom told McKenzie she forgave him.

WSOC