Former NBA star honoring Racine basketball star who was shot and killed
RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) — The Racine community and beyond continues to look for answers and mourn the loss of 27-year-old Koreem Ozier, who was shot and killed Sunday.
Ozier's mentor and friend, Racine native and former two-time NBA All-Star Caron Butler, says he was heartbroken to hear that Koreem's life was taken by gun violence at such a young age.
"He was Racine's nephew, as we call him, you know, the golden child," said Butler, an assistant coach for the Miami Heat.
Racine native Koreem Ozier was known by many, but to Butler, he was like family.
"He played on my Butler Elite traveling team. He was a kid that, you know, we poured into as a family. Spent summers with us training. He was someone I advocated for."
Racine police say Koreem was shot and killed Sunday night near 12th and Memorial.
"I just, I really want people to understand how many lives are impacted by the decisions," Butler said. "You know, obviously, our golden child, Koreem, is gone forever."
Butler was a mentor to Koreem, who was a former basketball star at Case High School and went on to play in college and professionally in China.
"He started realizing and seeing his unlimited potential," Butler said. "He really had no ceilings, and then he came back and shared those experiences by running youth basketball clinics and camps and things like that."
He says Koreem's talent went beyond the court.
"He was someone that always poured life into other people, and that's why you see the outpouring of support from people from all walks of life," Butler said. "Because he was just genuine and transparent with so many."
He says he will do everything he can to keep Koreem's memory alive.
"We're going to protect his legacy and his memory," Butler said. "But look at the individuals involved, look at the families that's impacted. You know, it's multiple murders that happened that day. You know, all from a decision that could have been prevented."
Butler tells us he is coming back this weekend to pay his respects and hold a vigil in his honor.
Police say two 23-year-old men, Collin Wallace and Justin Millard, were taken into custody. Felony charges are being referred to the District Attorney's Office.