Crime & Safety

Teen Killed By Cobb Police Was To Graduate This Year

Twitter abuzz with tributes to Tendai Nhekairo, who threatened police with two knives during the incident.


The man was a wide receiver for and was set to graduate later this year.

Police say that 18-year-old Tendai Nhekairo approached officers responding to a suspicious persons call at the Riverside House Apartment complex on Shadowood Road.

"Officers encountered a male in the breezeway who was nude and armed with two knives," according to a Cobb County Police statement. "When the male attempted to feloniously assault one of the officers, he defended himself by discharging his firearm at the suspect."

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The incident occurred Tuesday evening around 7:30 pm. Police have not released the name of the officer involved, but said he has been placed on routine administrative leave as the investigation continues.

Campbell High is reported to be holding a memorial service on Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm, at the flagpole outside the school.

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In the aftermath of the incident, the Twitter universe has been flooded with tributes to Nhekairo, who, according to Cobb County jail records, was arrested in late February on a misdeamenor charge of marijuana possession.

Here is a sampling of some of the reaction:

"Tendai had so much more to do :/ , this is so sad & hurting me . Because I actually know him & he couldn't live his whole life out ."

"Straight up Tendai had the most beautiful soul a person could have, he touched ALL of our lives with joy, laughter, and smiles."

"Campbell needs to do something special for Tendai at 2012 graduation!"

"Tendai was truly something greater than human. His flaws were at 0. Not perfect but tendai has many positive things about himself."

"Say a prayer for Tendai and his Fam, another loss R.I.P"


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