Teen slain at Southcenter remembered

Mourners grieved and bid farewell Saturday to 16-year-old Diaquan (pronounced Di-kwan) Lahmel Jones, the most recent casualty in an escalating street war that's apparently claimed the lives of seven young men so far this year.

Those who showed up to the small funeral home on Rainier Avenue South had to pass a half-dozen police cars to get inside, where community leaders and family members urged forgiveness, love and reconciliation.

"One thing I've learned is never go to bed angry again," said one of Jones' aunts, who also spoke of her own struggles and paths that led in the wrong direction. "Love each other. You never know if you will see each other again."

Jones was fatally shot Nov. 22 at Westfield Southcenter mall in Tukwila.

Police say that 21-year-old Barry Saunders, of Tukwila, killed Jones and injured his 15-year-old friend after the two younger boys and some other friends flashed gang signs at Saunders' younger brother and sparked a fist fight.

Saunders was arrested Wednesday in Oregon and is scheduled to be arraigned on murder and assault charges in King County Superior Court on Dec. 8. His attorney has said the 21-year-old fired in self-defense.

During the service, many of the adults nodded and said, "Amen," when Pastor Gary Hay Sr. of the Lost Sheep Church of God in Christ spoke about the importance of family and community, and about an unseen spiritual enemy who seeks to destroy families and lead people astray.

"The devil tries to seduce and whisper to turn young people from the right path," Hay said. "He will offer peanuts and popcorn and candy corn until he finds something that you like, and he will tell you that you can find it by sneaking out at night and not going to school."

Romelle Bradford, who works with youth at the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club, told those gathered: "The enemy is not this group or that. It's not the person you are looking at every day or pointing your finger at. It's the streets, man, and the streets are undefeated."

Jones was remembered by his sister, an aunt, a cousin and others as a thoughtful, bright, artistic and sensitive soul who touched many with his wit and smile.

His criminal history and brushes with the law were acknowledged; nobody said he was an angel. But time and again, people spoke of his willingness to grow, of his recent efforts to stay out of trouble and his desire for change.

"Don't let his death be in vain," said a family friend. "Look out for each other, love each other, think before you get mad and do something that can't be undone."

After the service, many of the teen attendees, a number of whom wore shades of bright blue and orange, huddled in groups, gathered at the bus station, exchanged phone numbers and talked.

They watched the police cars trolling up and down the street, with officers watching, waiting and taking pictures.

"They're watching us 'cause they know it ain't over," said one young man. He said the arrest of his friend's alleged killer changed nothing. "It ain't that simple; and it ain't over."

Christine Clarridge: 206-464-8983 or cclarridge@seattletimes.com