Man Died from Gunshot to Head

By Justin Foss, Reporter

By Justin Foss

CEDAR RAPIDS - Police are investigating a shooting death in Northeast Cedar Rapids. Early Wednesday morning officers found the body of Calvin Stringer, 29, in the parking lot of an apartment building at 3308 Oakland Road N.E.

Officers said they've made one arrest in the case, but it wasn't for a suspect. Instead, they arrested Bernard Butler, 16, for trying to hide evidence. Police didn't release what that evidence was.

Friends of the victim said he was trying to turn his life around. Friends of Stringer tell KCRG TV9 that after being charged with drug possession, he got out of jail in April and got a job at a local factory.

People who live near the shooting site were disappointed at what happened.

"This was a nice neighborhood, but it's getting kinda older and it's kinda going downhill a little bit. And this kind of incidents just reinforce that," said a neighbor who didn't want to be identified.

Police said Stringer didn't live at the apartment complex where he was killed, instead they think he was there for some kind of get-together. Later, they think things went bad.

"We believe there was more than one round fired," said Lt. Kenneth Washburn with the Cedar Rapids Police Department. "However, at this point it appears that Mr. Stringer was shot once."

After an autopsy, officers said Stringer died from a single gun-shot to the head.

Friends don't think drugs were involved. Police said they're still investigating.

Police said they are still working this case and trying to piece together exactly what happened Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Friends said Stringer had five kids, only one of them lived in Cedar Rapids. The rest live in Chicago.

Friends said Stringer was happier than ever since getting out of jail and getting his job.

Washburn said this is the 4th homicide in Cedar Rapids in 2007.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com

Monday, Apr 7 at 1:14 PM simply me wrote ...

His beautiful kids have unfortunately lost their father to a violent crime. I hope the mothers step up and try raise them away from this kind of life as it only brings death or imprisonment.

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Sunday, Apr 6 at 3:40 AM J wrote ...

Four months still no justice for our family and all of Calvins' beautiful children!!! We all miss and Love you so much CP you mean the world to all of us that you loved and that loved you!!!!

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Saturday, Mar 15 at 9:06 PM eldina wrote ...

R.I.P C.P Love Always Eldina

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Wednesday, Jan 9 at 7:17 AM Eldina wrote ...

Thinking about you C.P, You will be missed so much.... R.I.P Love your gurl Eldina always!!!

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Saturday, Dec 29 at 3:48 PM POOCHO wrote ...

R.I.P CP WE LOVE U

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Thursday, Dec 27 at 7:53 AM Eldina wrote ...

We love you C.P, you will be missed!!!!!! R.I.P

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Saturday, Dec 22 at 10:35 AM CPotter wrote ...

What's good Cal? Sorry I couldn't make it. Much love to you and your Family. I wish we could get one more game in... Rest In Peace.

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Friday, Dec 21 at 4:52 PM Friend wrote ...

We Love You C.P RIP

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Thursday, Dec 20 at 8:31 AM Friend wrote ...

RIP, Cp

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Wednesday, Dec 19 at 3:29 PM Friends wanting to help wrote ...

Several of Jay's friends would like to know what if any arrangments have been made for him. We are willing to help pay to get him home where he belongs. Can someone please update us. To his Mama and babies God bless u and CP rest tight we luv

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Wednesday, Dec 19 at 9:39 AM Eldina wrote ...

My thoughts an prayers go out to the family, STAY STRONG! lOVE ALWAYS Eldina if i can help with anything please call 319-504-7977

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Wednesday, Dec 19 at 9:04 AM Friend wrote ...

Please somebody let me know when his funeral is!

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Wednesday, Dec 19 at 8:32 AM ELDINA wrote ...

CP, YOU WILL BE MISSED ALWAYS, YOU WERE A GREAT MAN WE HAD A LOT OF FUN EVERYTIME WE WERE TOGETHER REMEMBER A LOT OF PEOPLE USTE HATE ON YOU COUSE NO ONE WAS LIKE JAY, LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU ALWAYS YOUR GURL... ELDINA

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Tuesday, Dec 18 at 7:44 PM A Family Member , Pine Bluff, AR wrote ...

For those who posted hateful messages, you added to the grief we are feeling after loosing a loved one.

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Tuesday, Dec 18 at 5:15 AM Cece wrote ...

Cp u was like a brother 2 me and I miss u so much yes u r gone but u will never b 4gotton rip cp lynda b strong b strong boo and hang on u have 2 live 4 calynda and ur unborn child LOVE ALWAYS CECE

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Monday, Dec 17 at 9:37 AM kadijah wrote ...

evelyn loves you to and your still in hear heart she says love aways -see you in heaven

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Sunday, Dec 16 at 8:20 PM LINDA wrote ...

TO BRENDA MAY GOD BE WITH YOU EVER STEP OF THE WAY.YOU KNOW HE WAS A NEPHEW TO ME,AND HE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN WITH US.

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Sunday, Dec 16 at 5:32 PM Anonymous wrote ...

This is what happens when you let the dealers and bangers from Chicago hide out in CR. Its only gonna get worse until police crack down on them.

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Sunday, Dec 16 at 12:49 PM Ernesa wrote ...

RIP Jay.. you will be missed you were a great person and a great dad my prayers go out to the family and friends...

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Sunday, Dec 16 at 1:38 AM RIP CP DA WHOLE 10-7 HOOD GONE MISS U 1 LOVE wrote ...

da whole 107 luved u like my uncle Ray Ray rip 2 him u was 1 o da few who encouraged a dif. life 4 kids i will always remember u its a shame u had to go but I wont cry not bcuc i dont love you but because u are in a better place and im happy 4 rip CP

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Saturday, Dec 15 at 3:42 PM Tammy wrote ...

I am so sorry for those 5 children,regardless if he used to sell drugs i beleive he still loved his kids and they loved him and thats all that really matters,the people that you loved and the ones who loved you!only God can judge!R.I.P CP

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Friday, Dec 14 at 5:15 PM Andrea wrote ...

Man people in iowa can be really pathetic! Who cares if it was drug related or not! Nobody deserves to die the way this poor man died and no kids deserve to live without their daddy. you people will all be judged one day the same way u r judging him!

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Friday, Dec 14 at 3:28 PM GET A GRIP wrote ...

THIS ISN'T A FUNERAL HOME WEB PAGE PEOPLE!

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Friday, Dec 14 at 2:54 PM lil boo-boo wrote ...

Seems like a case of a thug going out like a thug.This tends to happen.It's sad, but if you're wrapped up with the wrong crowd,it's inevitable that one day you'll catch a bullet. These people don't play games.This never used to happen in CR. Idiotic.

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Friday, Dec 14 at 2:15 PM renita wrote ...

its still hard to believe that such a good person is gone is sad to know that when you come in tha chi i wont see your face stop through to stay a night with us anymore i will truly miss the times that u have shared with my family an my self i love u

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Friday, Dec 14 at 2:06 PM Secunda Gantt wrote ...

I no that I only met you a few times cause I have a daughter by your first cousin. I am so sorry this happen to you and I would like to say to all of your family I am sorry for your lost C.P. RIP Love you always.

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Friday, Dec 14 at 1:41 PM that girlz wrote ...

dang! you was a man. a real one. but now God wants you to help look out. keep it real up there!

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Friday, Dec 14 at 11:57 AM debfry360@yahoo.com wrote ...

God bless his family and five young babes left without a dad. This is a tragedy. I agree with Bill Cosby. RIP Calvin.

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Friday, Dec 14 at 11:28 AM Auntie Patricia wrote ...

Who are we to judge? How would you feel if you lost a loved one to something so sensless and everyone posted all these negative comments?He was still 1 of god's children and the blood on the street was the same color as yours. Keep your head up fam.

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Friday, Dec 14 at 11:13 AM One Wish wrote ...

We love and miss you so much. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I am truly blessed to have known you. I still can't believe this is real. I wish I would wake up from this horrible dream. Rest now baby, see you later.

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Friday, Dec 14 at 10:56 AM RRediger wrote ...

Calvin was a hard worker with an incredible attitude. My prayers are with all of Calvin's family and friends.

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Friday, Dec 14 at 8:32 AM CPotter wrote ...

I still can't believe that your gone. I only wish I was there with you. To your wife & kids, I'll always be here if you need anything. J you was like the brother I never had, and a piece of me goes with you. Untill I C U again, I love you homie.

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Friday, Dec 14 at 12:52 AM Jessi wrote ...

We lost a friend, a brother, an uncle, a son, a boyfriend, a father. Please when you write about race and crime, things that are trivial to us right now, please remember we are all grieving.

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Friday, Dec 14 at 12:00 AM man-man wrote ...

love always man when they told me that you got shot and didn't make it apart of my heart die with you shady.com for life RIP CP

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 11:36 PM Monica wrote ...

RIP to you Jay. I am blessed to have met someone as great as you. You will be truly missed and NEVER forgotten. My love out your family Jay. Jen sends her love from California and no matter what it takes we will catch who did this. I love you Jay.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 11:13 PM Karl Keith Kevins wrote ...

it's sad. that place used to be a good area. now it's a cesspool for violence. i miss the days when you could walk down the street and not have to bypass crime scene tape. It's happening to much in CR these says. Sad. VEry very sad. and Pathetic

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 11:05 PM Lady Vae at Cedar Valley wrote ...

It stinks that a good man who encouraged kids to stay away from drugs and make better choices can't anymore. We are all poorer for someone's stupidity. How many more will be lost because Calvin isn't here? Prayers to you and yours.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 10:11 PM ASHLEE wrote ...

CP WILL BE MISS AND IT'S SAD THE WAY PEOPLE IN CHICAGO HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY HAD TO FIND OUT HE WAS LOVED BY MANY HATED BY PLENTY HE WAS THE BIG BROTHER THAT MY MOTHER NEVER HAD R.I.P CP

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 9:27 PM Netta wrote ...

I Love You more than you'll never know. I honestly cant believe that your gone.You will always be remembered for your stubborn ways and crazy style.No one can rock the white tee's and p.j's like you! Im going to miss you sooo much! Your Lil Sis Netta

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 8:27 PM Cuz Anthony(Boo-Boo) wrote ...

Not how did he die, but how did he live. Not what did he gain, but what did he give These are the units to measure the worth Of a man as a man, regardless of birth. Love you cuz I'll never forget you. YOUR CUZ Anthony (Boo-Boo)

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 7:29 PM Just Guessing... wrote ...

C'mon, baby don't you wanna go... C'mon, baby don't you wanna go... Back to that same 'ol place... Sweet home, Chicago!

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 6:55 PM another friend wrote ...

I was a friend of Jay's, I didnt know a lot of his family but I do know, he would always say see ya, never good bye...Its still not good bye, we will all see him again one day. He is in god's hands now. Its until next time...

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 6:32 PM Keisha wrote ...

Honestly I don't understand why the good ones always have to go. We weren't the best of friends or anything, but I've been around you enough to know that you were a GREAT PERSON. Furthermore, my prayers go out to your family. R.I.P CP from Lady Envy

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 5:57 PM Adam wrote ...

Another example of why KCRG should turn comments off for certain stories

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 4:56 PM BRENDA AND TINA wrote ...

CP IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YESTERDAY WE WERE ALL TOGETHER...WE LOVE U AND MISS YOU AND WILL SEE YOU AGAIN..LOVE YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR COUSIN...

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 4:34 PM Alicia wrote ...

My heart goes out to Brenda and family. Stay strong and remeber this battle is not yours. CP lived a short but good life. Praise God for the deceased and cry for the newborn. RIP CP you will always have a place in my heart. My first love. 104 mayland

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 3:32 PM Anonymous wrote ...

RIP man. I only encountered you a few times, the few that we hung out were fun. Thug love.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 2:15 PM Drew wrote ...

This is a true tragedy. God bless him and his family. To his family, just know he is in a better place now.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 1:16 PM vet vet wrote ...

Man cuz,u will b missed.U were always the life of the party and made every1 laugh.Words cant bring u back,& cant explain the luv I have 4 u.U been n my life 4 27 years and will always remain n my heart.Stay strong auntie..your blood niece vet vet

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 1:08 PM Brendan & Lil Shurron(nephews) wrote ...

uncle cp we will miss u never forgotten love always r.i.p uncle jr.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 12:34 PM a friend wrote ...

I am truly sorry for Jay's mother, children and family, stay strong, he is in gods hands now, everything will be alright.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 12:27 PM Alexis wrote ...

My 1st love and the father of my children. This really hard for us right now. We will always miss and love u.Keyonte,Kayvone&Alexis I love u C.P.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 12:23 PM kim wrote ...

rip cp i am so blessed to have gotten to chance to know you.you will be missed dearly

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 11:12 AM 105Th Edbrooke wrote ...

Man it was only yesterday when heard you were home joe you was my dog rest in peace well get it.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 10:55 AM kadijah bush wrote ...

rip from the whole family mechie, tracy, tyshawn, mook-a-dook, nana, darrell, cynthia, and most of all kadijah aka blacky REST IN PEACE big cousin- love shall stay in our hearts

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 10:48 AM kadijah bush wrote ...

here i am sitting up thinking that this day would never come my favorite cousin in the hole world dies -god have mercy on his soul-kadijah bush

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 10:36 AM liz wrote ...

R.I.P. CP! We love you!

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 10:17 AM RANDY wrote ...

Lynda stay strong I'll be praying for you and the kids. Love Always your aunt.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 9:56 AM I Wish wrote ...

Our black guys will stop investing in guns and act like humans instead of animals. Killing someone is something you can't take back, it don't make you a man, only a coward. Use your brains and think first. C.P. was a fighter (fist).

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 9:50 AM ME... wrote ...

We don't know what the fight was over..We do know a coward took a life..Kids are w/o their father, a girlfriend w/o her boyfriend. He was a good guy and shouldn't have been killed like an animal. C.P. was a good hearted person.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 9:31 AM Cat wrote ...

CP we will miss you!!Lynda stay strong and always know that I love you.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 9:24 AM auntie cheryl wrote ...

Jr. you are truly going to be miss, I love you like you were my own child. I watch you grow into a strong man. You left behind (5) beautiful children (life) that you help create. My Heart is with your mom and the rest of our family

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 9:23 AM michael wrote ...

i love you cp rest in peace your little cousin mikie 4 of em

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 8:29 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I didn't know you very well but I know the couple times I talked to you you were a very good person. We couldn't believe we just saw you saturday night and then this happened just a couple days later. RIP friend

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 8:14 AM ELLA AND CORETTA wrote ...

YOU WERE THE MOST LOVELY AND COOLEST PERSON THAT I HAVE KNOW. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISS.REST TIGHT BABY BOY.LOVE ELLA AND CORETTA.I HAVE NEED SHARED A TIGHT BOND WITH ANYONE ELSE OTHER THAN YOU C.P.AND YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISS. SEE YOU LATER LOVE ELLA

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 6:45 AM calvin wrote ...

To my daddy i will miss u very much. I love you and I have to say good bye this time not see ya later. gone but not forgotten.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 5:17 AM CPotter wrote ...

You were a good person, inside and out. You were a great person to work with, and an even better friend. You've shown me so much in our brief friendship, and I will never forget you. Your spirit will live on through your children, and I got you. LOVE

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 4:54 AM kathy wrote ...

CP I AM TRULY SORRY FOR WHAT HAPPENED I KNOW THAT YOU WERE TURNING YOUR LIFE AROUND, I AM GLAD THAT I GOT TO SPEAK TO YOU, LYNDA AND THE BABY. YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED. YOUR DAUGHTER,S GRANDMOTHER OF MISSISSIPPI.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 1:40 AM Anonymous wrote ...

REST IN PEACE CALVIN WE ALL CARE FOR YOU

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 1:23 AM All FINGERS NO THUMB wrote ...

CP ANYONE WHO KNEW YOU KNOWS THE WORLD LOST A GOOD BROTHER. YOU TRULY WAS ONE OF THE LAST OF A DYING BREED.THOUGH WE KNOW LIFE ISNT FOREVER THE NEWS IS UNBELIEVABLE THOSE WHO DIDN'T LOVE U HAD TO MISUNDERSTAND YOU WERE PRAYING 4 YOU AND THE FAM(RIP)

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 1:14 AM S.Brown wrote ...

C.P. we love you and will miss u forever. You were a great man. Love, San,Niyah,Themous&ThemousJr.

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Thursday, Dec 13 at 12:02 AM Tiffany wrote ...

Im going to really miss you so much.Your cousin Tiffany

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Wednesday, Dec 12 at 11:19 PM Lorena wrote ...

C.P. I know it has been a long time since we were an item, but I just want to let you know you have given me the greatest gift in the world (a beautiful son)and for that I am forever greatful. Thank You, Love You and Rest In Peace. Love Always, Loren

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Wednesday, Dec 12 at 11:09 PM I live down the road wrote ...

more or less it was drug related. those apartments are full of people who do drugs. I should know. when i did drugs i went there to get drugs. and that person STILL lives there. it's still a shame someone had to die.

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Wednesday, Dec 12 at 11:01 PM LIL CALVIN wrote ...

To my daddy I will miss you so very much. I Love You and I will never forget you. No more see you later I guess I have to say good bye now, dad.

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Wednesday, Dec 12 at 10:50 PM J.street wrote ...

man words cant bring you back c.p but people around me and myself will miss u greatly, you was cool as a fan you will always live strong in are memories Lynda i love ya baby stay strong!

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Wednesday, Dec 12 at 10:46 PM Bill Cosby wrote ...

What a tragedy, when are our young men going to stop killing each other?

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Wednesday, Dec 12 at 10:30 PM RENITA wrote ...

YOU WAS TRULY A KIND PERSON AN WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR ANYONE IF YOU COULD: JUST KNOW THAT WILL ALWAYZ REMAIN IN OUR HARTS LOVE ALWAYS RENITA,JAVION AN LIL MOE A STAR WAS LOST BUT WILL NEVER FORGOTTEN.

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Wednesday, Dec 12 at 10:03 PM Anon wrote ...

Wow...Rest In Peace. You were a great man...

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Wednesday, Dec 12 at 10:03 PM iowa wrote ...

my thoughts and prayers go out to the family of calvin, such a tragedy. Stay strong and everything will be ok

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Wednesday, Dec 12 at 9:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...

pray are with the kids and the family of the love one who was shot

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Wednesday, Dec 12 at 9:10 PM Anonymous wrote ...

WE LOVE U CP 107TH KING DRIVE,WE WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH SORRY YOUR TIME WAS SO SHORT WE WILL LOOK OVER YOUR KIDS DONT WORRY SLEPT TIGHT

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