Family of Houston-area student athlete still in shock over teen’s death

HOUSTON — The family of a standout Manvel High School student-athlete is pleading for answers after 18-year-old Kenneth “Trae” Leaks III was gunned down just four days after graduating.

Photos and decorations still hang inside the Leaks’ family home — a bittersweet reminder of Trae’s achievements both on and off the field.

“He had such tenacity,” said Trae’s aunt, Naya Merchant. “He was one of those people who, whatever he set his mind to, he was going to do it.”

Trae, known for his leadership and drive, had earned a full athletic scholarship to attend Sterling College in Kansas. His family said he was just weeks away from moving into his dorm to begin the next chapter of his life.

“He was actually the first in his immediate family to graduate high school. Just a major accomplishment. We are so very proud of him. Very proud,” Merchant told KHOU 11 News.

But the celebration was tragically cut short. Merchant said on May 24, just four days after his graduation, the family received the call no one wants.

“We received a call that he had been shot,” Merchant told KHOU 11 News.

Houston police said Trae was in a car in an apartment complex off of North Braesewood Boulevard, waiting to meet someone, when several men approached the vehicle. Moments later, shots were fired into the car. The shooter remains on the loose.

“We want answers,” Merchant said. “We want justice to be served.”

Trae’s loved ones are urging anyone with information to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

To the person responsible for pulling the trigger, Merchant had this to say: “I would say first, I forgive you. Forgiveness is more for me than it is for you. But I pray that you would turn yourself in — just take accountability for your actions.”

A funeral for Trae will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at The Church on MastersRoad in Manvel. His family is still raising funds to cover funeral expenses. Donations can be made here.