Hundreds mourn teen killed in Pittsburgh Airbnb party shooting
On a sunny Friday, one of spring’s first truly beautiful days, Adiyiah Brown said a heart-wrenching farewell to her only child as she stood surrounded by hundreds of mourners and an outpouring of love.
She wore a white T-shirt with a collage of photos of her and her 17-year-old son, Jaiden Za’mar Brown, whom she called her “one and only.”
Adiyah Brown gathered with others at Living Water Ministry Church in Braddock for the hours-long service to say goodbye to her son.
“We, the family, extend our sincere gratitude and thanks for your prayers, words of encouragement, and all acts of kindness shown during our time of bereavement,” said a statement from the family on the back of the church program. “Your thoughtfulness has helped to sustain us during this difficult time. May God bless each of you.”
Jaiden Brown, of North Braddock, was one of two teens killed on Easter Sunday in a shooting at a party in a rented house on Pittsburgh’s North Side.
About 200 people were inside the home, rented as an Airbnb, when the shooting started, witnesses and police said.
Brown and 17-year-old Mathew Steffy-Ross, of Pitcairn, were killed. Steffy-Ross’ funeral is Saturday.
The hundreds of mourners began arriving before 10 a.m. for the 11 a.m. service.
Brown was laid to rest in Monongahela Cemetery in Braddock on a warm sunny day with a cool breeze. His friends carried his pastel blue casket with his name written on it.
“It should not have gone this way, but when God calls greatness home you’ve got to go,” said Ron Anger, 40, a close family friend who called Brown’s mother a sister. “Jaiden was well-loved and his mom was a super mom. He was a good kid and his death is a major loss the community.”
Anger, who grew up in Pittsburgh’s Hill District and lives in Port View, said he will do everything he can to keep Brown’s memory alive.
“We need to love each other,” Anger said. “There are no words for how emotionally tough this is. But I know Adiyiah, and she is stronger than Hercules. They are a beautiful family. We will celebrate Jaiden’s life.”
A balloon release was set for later in the day. More than 50 cars made their way to the cemetery.
“I am just sick over this,” said Curtis White, pastor of The Lord’s Church in Murrysville, a first cousin of Adiyiah Brown. “None of our Black young men should have to go through this. It is such a tragic situation. “
White said everyone needs to make it a priority to reach out to young people. It’s a heavy issue, he said, but it needs be talked about.
“We must have the conversations,” he said. “I am hoping and praying for better days.”
Several church goers wore T-shirts with Brown’s photo with wings on either side and his nickname, JDot.
White’s wife, Niecy Dennis White, said the message in the church was to accept each other and not judge. She said Minister Nathaniel Carter, who gave the eulogy, had a message asking people what they have done to change things since the shooting on Sunday.
Her son Archie Dennis, 23, of Murrysville, was saddened.
“Why can’t we all get along?” he said. “What happened at that party should never have gotten to that point. Let’s stop hating each other and act like family. We need to learn from this in order to have a brighter future.”
Carter said there isn’t much to say when things like this happen. He said society has changed, and many young people have access to guns.
He recalled playing video games with Brown and recently seeing him stocking shelves at the Walmart where he worked.
“Jaiden was a very laid-back kid,” said Joslyn Rankin, 17, of Wilkinsburg, who attended Propel school at one time with Brown. “He looked out for his friends and always wanted to help everyone. He was hilarious.”
His jokes were definitely funny, said Myonna Johnson, 18, of Wilkinsburg, who also attended Propel.
They all said they feel for Jaiden’s mom.
“When you lose a child, you lose you,” Anger said. “When you lose your only child you lose all of you.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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