MISSION, Kan. – A local sports commentator dedicated part of his show to a teenage boy who was gunned down Monday.
“The world needs more Nelson Hopkins Juniors and now it has one fewer,” says Nick Wright.
Nelson Hopkins was getting off a bus near the Rockhurst University when he was shot in the chest and killed. Police believe robbery is a possible motive.
The 17-year old was a senior at Alta Vista Charter School. He was coming from the library the night he was shot.
Wright met Hopkin’s at Anthony’s Restaurant, at 7
th and Grand, where the teen was a bus boy and server. They became fast friends.
Wright says he is tired of senseless violence in Kansas City. Friday morning he spent 30 minutes of his 610 sports radio show “What’s Wright with Nick Wright” talking about Hopkins and the need for change.
“This cycle has got to end. I know it's cliché. And I know 30 minutes on my radio station isn't going to do that. But what it might do is somebody who is headed down a path that could turn them into the shooter; maybe they will take a different path. That's what I hope more than anything,” says Wright.
Wright is also hopeful that someone will come forward with information to help solve Hopkin’s murder.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Tips Hotline at (816) 474-TIPS.
