Former 6abc intern killed in Center City shooting
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- The family of a former 6abc intern says their loved one was the person shot and killed outside a Center City nightclub over the weekend.
Somehow Reitha Broaddus found the strength to speak with Action News on Monday. She's just beginning to mourn the loss of her nephew - a young man whom she raised.
"You were all there. More than one person knows what happened. So, if you wanna be safe, get that person off the street," said Broaddus.
She tells us that 29-year-old Arikan Darden was the victim of Sunday night's fatal shooting in Center City.
It happened outside of the Reserve Lounge in the 700 block of Arch Street.
Broaddus says she can't believe her nephew is gone.
"Another bright light blown out. He wasn't a candle but a bright light," she said.
She sat and reminisced with us about him. She showed us his college graduation picture from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh.
"I couldn't afford books for him. He went to the library every day - every day - and got his work done. Yes he did," Broaddus said.
She says he volunteered his time and genuinely cared about others.
"He was an inspiring young man, always trying to do what's right. Belongs to so many organizations," she said.
According to police, the young man was shot and killed after an argument escalated outside of the club.
His aunt says this is the second boy she's raised to fall victim to gun violence. She can't bear another or someone else going through it.
"Please stop the violence. I'm so tired of mothers and fathers crying," said Broaddus. "For what reason? What reason did you have to kill this young man? What reason?"
Arikan interned at 6abc back in 2009. Our condolences go out to his family.
A memorial will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the scene of the shooting.
----------
Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps
