Children release balloons to honor July 4 shooting victim

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) – Children and staff at Primrose School at Swift Creek released balloons into the air Wednesday to honor a child killed by a stray bullet. The blue and green balloons represented Brendon Mackey’s favorite colors.

Mackey, 7, was struck in the head by a stray bullet while he walked to a fireworks show near Swift Creek Reservoir July 4 with his father. Police said the shot was likely fired from a handgun within a two-mile radius from where the child was hit.

Primrose owner Leighanne Chilmaid said she organized the balloon release to not only celebrate Brendon's life, but to also keep his story at the top of peoples' minds.

"Somebody knows something. We hope this will encourage somebody to come forward with what they do know," Chilmaid said.

Forensics testing indicated the rifling on the bullet is mainly consistent with, but is not limited to the following firearms manufacturers:

• GLOCK
• Heckler & Koch
• IMI
• Kahr Arms
• Vektor Pistols

If you were firing a gun or you know someone who was firing a gun in the area of the Swift Creek Reservoir around the time of the incident, call Chesterfield Police at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.