Parents of 15-year-old killed at Oliver Citywide Academy speak out, demand accountability

PITTSBURGH — 11 News has learned the identity of the teenager killed outside of Oliver Citywide Academy on Wednesday.

For Derrick Harris Jr.’s mother, Erin Krall, Wednesday was her worst nightmare.

“[It’s] the worst day of my life,” she told 11 News. “I never, ever, ever thought that this would happen. Ever.”

Krall sent her son off to school at Oliver Citywide Academy, only to learn of a shooting there less than an hour later.

“I was calling him, texting him, calling him, texting him,” Krall said. “I had everybody else in the house doing the same and then next thing I know, the vice principal called me.”

That phone call brought devastating news.

‘The trauma is too much’: Teacher’s union leader reacts to shooting death of Oliver Citywide student

Krall’s 15-year-old son had been shot and killed outside Oliver Citywide Academy one week before his 16th birthday.

“He had sent me a text at 7:39 showing me some things he wanted for his birthday. I said, ‘Okay, where at?’ And that was the last time I texted him,” Krall said.

Instead of planning a birthday party, Derrick’s family is now planning a funeral. Pittsburgh Police say fellow 15-year-old Oliver Citywide student Jaymier Perry is being charged as an adult in Derrick’s murder.

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“That’s my best friend you took from me. You didn’t have to do that. You killed my son. I’m very heartbroken,” said Derrick’s father, Derrick Harris Sr.

Derrick’s parents say he loved playing basketball and video games.

He was a funny kid who was a great brother to four siblings and a friend to many.

“Me and him, we always used to watch these videos together of this comedian he actually showed me and you know that was like our thing every day, so I’ll definitely miss that,” Krall said.

Derrick’s shooting death is the second at Oliver Citywide in the last year and a half.

His parents are demanding accountability from Pittsburgh Public Schools and school police.

“I want to know where security was at that time. I thought security was there when they arrive and at dismissal time,” Krall said. “This is just ridiculous. This has got to stop. This is terrible.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for funeral costs. Click here if you’re interested in donating.

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