The mother of a teenager shot and killed during a burglary attempt is speaking out to Action News.
She's sharing her painful story to prevent other youth from making the same mistake.
"I apologize to the homeowner," said mom Mandra Adams. "I know it's heavy on your heart."
Family members said Manquise Adams and his cousin Lucane Pierre, both 17, were shot while breaking into a home.
Pierre is said to be in stable condition. Adams was pronounced dead on the scene.
Police said it happened Wednesday shortly before noon near Jones and Vegas.
The homeowner was sleeping when he awoke to two suspects breaking into his home. Detectives say he grabbed his gun.
"Teenagers, let this be a lesson," said Mandra Adams.
Adams spent Christmas Eve at the coroner's office.
She said she cherishes the 17 years she had with her son.
"I want him to be remembered as a loving child, not a child that the wrong thing," said Adams, "he adored everybody he came into contact with, he always smiled and cracked jokes."
Action News also spoke with the Pierre's father who had this message for the homeowner who pulled the trigger.
"I'm so sorry this happened to him," said Pierre, "I don't even blame him for what he do, that's self defense."
The 17 year-old high school senior's mother died in 2008.
But as a single father, Pierre said he provided his son with everything and always warned him to stay out of trouble.
"My kids don't have no reason to break into somebody's house," said Pierre.
