New Haven Independent

“I greatly appreciate the help and I’m sure Justus definitely would appreciate the love and support that they’ve shown him,” said Suggs, receiving a check at the bank Friday. After her son was shot in the head while riding his bike home through the Hill neighborhood on July 29, she said, she has received a wealth of support in the form of calls and visitors.

Hearing that the family needed financial help as well, a NewAlliance Bank senior vice president, Paul McCraven, set up an account for donations to Justus’ funeral costs. The bank put in $1,000. Donors from across the city put in another $3,651.

Christine Edwards, Tracey’s cousin, said when the family went to City Hall for help, she expected city officials “to be turning their back. We couldn’t believe it.” She was touched by the support. “It’s not even the money, it really isn’t. It’s the thought and the caring.”

In response to the tragedy, Edwards hopes to open a recreation center called “Just Us Teens.” She hasn’t gotten the details together yet, but “with God’s help and with my family backing me, I hope it will work out.”