Tymier Frasier’s life was about to change. He was scheduled to graduate from eighth grade in a few weeks and start high school in the fall, which meant new friends, new classes and a different routine.
But first, he and his family were headed to Disney World for a week.
None of it would ever happen, though.
Tymier was attending a block party in the 2000 block of East Orleans Street in Kensington, about two blocks from his home, on May 29, 2017 when someone started shooting into the crowd.
Tymier, who was 14 years old, was shot and died a short time later. His 16-year-old friend was also shot but survived. No arrests have been made.
“He’s missed. He’s truly missed,” his mother Shyheer Frasier said. “No parent should have to go through this.”
Tymier was born Feb. 4, 2003 in Philadelphia to Shyheer and his father, Ahkeem Tomoney. He had two sisters who are now 8 and 15 and a brother who is 12.
Tymier and Shyheer
Tymier was an eighth grader at Memphis Street Academy. He was a good student — math was his favorite subject — and he also excelled at football and boxing. He had 16 fights and won 14, Shyheer said. He played quarterback for the East Kensington Chiefs and dreamed of playing professional football.
Tymier was set to start ninth grade at Mastbaum High School in the fall for the 2017-18 school year. He was excited but a little nervous, Shyheer said.
June 9, 2017 was going to be a special day. Not only was it Tymier’s eighth grade graduation, it was also Shyheer’s birthday. To celebrate, they planned a family trip to Disney World, and they were scheduled to leave June 10.
But instead of watching Tymier walk down the aisle in his cap and gown, Shyheer accepted her son’s diploma for him.
“It was devastating,” she said.
Throughout the neighborhood, Tymier was known as being polite and helpful.
“He took my neighbor’s trash out, and when they went food shopping he’d wait around for them to come back to help them unpack their groceries,” Shyheer said. “He went to the store for them. They loved him.”
When detectives questioned the witnesses to the shooting who were at the block party, all anyone would tell them was that Tymier was polite and sweet and helpful; no one came forward with any information that would help police identify the gunman.
Shyheer hopes to someday get closure, and to do that, she needs answers.
“I have to be completely honest, I’m still in denial,” she said. “Some days I’m able to get through it. Other days I still sit and I think, ‘Maybe it was a mistake. Maybe it wasn’t my son. Maybe my son is going to walk through that door.’ I still want to know what happened, and why.”
The City of Philadelphia is offering up to $20,000 as a reward for anyone that comes forward with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Tymier’s murder. Anonymous calls can be submitted by calling the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS.
Date: 2017-05-29
Location: 2000 E Orleans St, Philadelphia, PA
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From GoFundMe:
A personality that will brighten any room, grades that were beyond phenominal and a heart of gold. Tymier enjoyed playing football, boxing, kick boxing etc..
Tymier was a smart kid with a beautiful smile. He was a pleasure to teach and I am so glad I had the opportunity to know him. I will continue to pray for your family. May God keep His arms wrapped around you and your family.
