Teen stabbed in video game squabble laid to rest

At a private viewing this morning, 13-year-old Jahmir Ricks paid his final respects to the big brother he allegedly stabbed at home during a video game squabble on July 15.

"I know that Antwan's spirit is with me," Jahmir said as he stood over the open casket of Antwan Michael Ricks, 16, in the sanctuary of Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Lansdowne, near the home the boys shared with their mother.

Several law enforcement officers kept watch over Jahmir during his 15 minutes at the church, then escorted him back to a sheriff's vehicle and left before the two-hour public viewing began at 9 a.m.

On Monday, Christine Marie Ricks made an emotional plea in court that her son Jahmir have the chance to leave prison in order to say goodbye to his brother.

A motion for bail will be heard in Common Pleas Court tomorrow. The defense also has filed a petition to have the case transferred to juvenile court.

The Rev. Raymond Merriweather, a pastor at First Baptist Church of Darby, was with Jahmir Ricks at today's private viewing and recounted the details during the more than two-hour funeral packed with the brothers' family and friends.

The boys were playing a sports video game at home on the Sunday afternoon Antwan died. When Antwan did not turn over the controller, Jahmir allegedly stabbed him with a six-inch kitchen knife, according to police. When authorities responded to the 911 call, they found Jahmir sobbing outside.