ARRESTED: 15-year-old Racine boy, in connection with armed robbery, shooting death of Semar McClain



RACINE (WITI) -- Racine police say they have arrested a teenager in connection with the shooting death of 19-year-old Semar McClain.

Police say a 15-year-old Racine boy has been arrested on charges of first degree intentional homicide and armed robbery by use of a dangerous weapon.

He was arrested on Wednesday, August 6th for the July 29th armed robbery and murder of McClain.

Police say the boy is being held in the Racine County Jail -- and will be seen in adult court. He is expected to be officially charged on Thursday, August 7th.

Police say this arrest wouldn't have been possible without the intense investigative effort put forth by police detectives and assistance from the community.

19-year-old Semar McClain had come to Racine to attend a funeral, and now, his family is preparing for his own.

It was a somber evening on Sunday, August 3rd, as loved ones remembered him.

Semar McClain



Loved ones on Sunday worked to transform the back alley where McClain was found dead from a place of pain -- to a place of peace. The back alley near Blake Street and Albert Street was adorned with candles and balloons -- as loved ones held a vigil in McClain's honor.

Police say McClain was shot twice in the head.

McClain is Marinda Cunningham's youngest son. She says she doesn't know who shot her son, or why.

"It's rough because it's something we've never dealt with," Cunningham said.

Cunningham says McClain was a free spirit, but also ambitious. She says he was good with his hands, and was deciding on a career -- possibly in electronics.

"Actually getting ready to go to college. He was working two jobs," Cunningham said.

Cunningham raised her kids in Racine, but they moved to St. Paul, Minnesota three years ago.

McClain had come back to Racine for a friend's funeral, who died following an asthma attack.

"He was a leader. I noticed that about him. That was one of things that drew me to him," Elder Quentin Bolton said. Bolton was McClain's mentor when he lived in Racine.

"He called me and told me he was back, so I was excited," Bolton said.

McClain called Bolton less than a week ago, to plan a reunion that wouldn't come to be.

"This young man, his dreams, his gifts, and ultimately his purpose has been stolen away from him," Bolton said.

The vigil in McClain's honor was led by the Racine Interfaith Coalition.

As for the 15-year-old boy arrested in connection with McClain's death -- FOX6 News has learned of another incident in which the boy was accused in an armed robbery. This case involved a shovel.

The 15-year-old boy's latest arrest is bringing relief to more than one family.

"I was so happy. So happy!" Angela Yankech said.

Yankech says her family has also been victimized by the 15-year-old boy.

"Came up from behind him -- whacked him in the side of the head with a shovel," Yankech said.

Yankech says her 11-year-old son was shoveling driveways in 2013 when the boy now arrested in connection with McClain's murder attacked and robbed him.

"For months he wouldn't even go outside," Yankech says of her son.

Court documents show a juvenile judge released the now 15-year-old boy to his grandmother, and placed him in an alternative punishment program.

"The judge pretty much just gave him a slap on the wrist. Basically just gave him probation," Yankech said.

Yankech's family did not receive restitution.

"He had no remorse. He didn't care. It was just another day," Yankech said.

Yankech says she doesn't believe the boy has learned his lesson after what happened to her son. Now facing armed robbery and homicide charges, his next life lesson could be prison.

Police say the incident involving McClain remains an active investigation. Police continue to seek additional information in the case.

If you have information that could help police -- you're asked to contact them at (262) 635-7756.You may also contact Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.

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