LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Loved ones gathered at the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas to remember the 15-year-old shot and killed during First Friday.
Friends, family members, small businesses, community members and LVMPD Police came to offer support and solidarity to the family of Carth Onasi Jacobs-Rodgers.
Carth was the oldest of nine siblings; loved ones described him as fun-loving, a teenager that loved jokes, sports and skateboarding, and beloved by his younger siblings.
MORE ON FOX5: Teen killed at First Friday shooting prompts safety discussion
“He was our only son, and he was our heart,” said stepmom Tara Rodgers. “He was loyal and loved his siblings- every single one,” she said.
Rodgers said Carth was trying to defend his friends on Friday night during First Friday when someone fired a gun and struck two others. Carth passed away from his injuries.
Rodgers said she hopes this incident is a wakeup call across the Valley to keep guns away from kids.
“It feels like finally Vegas is fighting back…and it hurts that it had to take my son losing his life,” she said.
The family has set up a fundraiser that can be found here.
Members of the 18B Arts District Neighborhood Association came to offer support and condolences to the family.
“It’s something that’s so heartbreaking, because it was just a child that had to go through all this. Any way that we’re able to support the family, any way that we’re able to let everyone in this community know that we want everyone to be safe,” said board member Tony Chavez.
Chavez said community leaders are working with LVMPD to make sure the event stays safe for the whole family.
On Saturday, teenagers and friends plan another vigil at Desert Breeze park, where Carth loved to ride his skateboard.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
