The family of Delvin Ferrell, the 15-year-old stabbed to death at Southeast Raleigh High School this week, spoke out against violence that has taken the lives of many young people in their community.

Teddie Martinez, Ferrell's uncle, began Friday's news conference with a message for Ferrell's friends.

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"Keep Delvin's name alive. Keep positive memories of him," he said. "And don't get caught up in the media or bureaucracy, the circus surrounding it. Let it play out in the justice system."

Martinez also read a statement on behalf of Ferrell's mother, who was not emotionally ready to speak:

"Delvin had a smile that would light up the room. She wants him to know that she loves him forever. This is a pain that no parent should ever feel. She wants to thank everyone for their support. She says no mother should have to bury their child. As a family they're praying for the other young man and his family."

Ferrell's older brother also shared bittersweet memories, explaining what he'd miss about him, saying, "His smile, and everything about him really. You feel me? That's all I've got to say."

Ferrell played basketball and football – and dreamed of going to college and playing professionally. He had two brothers and one sister.

His mother says she doesn't want her son's death to be in vain.

Ferrell's 15-year-old cousin died in a shooting just 2 years prior

The family is grieving far more than the loss of Ferrell. In the past few years, his family lost a niece to gun violence and another family member to COVID. Plus, over the past few months, Martinez says there have been multiple kids under the age 18 lost to violence in the city.

"That should be a public outcry," he said.

Ferrell's cousin Ariuna Cotton also died at age 15. She was shot in a Durham shooting that impacted 6 people – many of them under age 18.

"Violence is on the rise in Raleigh," he said. "Every parent should be concerned."

Many young people dying to violence, family calls out for 'culturally competent support'

Martinez believes the community needs culturally competent support, calling out the need for people in support positions – perhaps police, teachers or counselors – who can understand diverse values and lifestyles.

"You have to have culturally competent support," said Martinez. "If you have someone from Cary that went to UNC and she's never been down in this community, she cannot support our children -- and I'll stand firm on that."

He said their community has children who go to school without breakfast, and lunch may be their only meal.

"How can you really support our kids and say that you truly understand what they're going through?" he said.

He said the community as a whole needs to come together – the school system, law enforcement and families – and figure out how to prevent deadly violence, especially violence impacting youth.

He suggested programs focusing on social-emotional learning, youth mentors and high-risk intervention.

"Try and put people inside the school system to help de-escalate situations like this before they become a crisis," he said. "Healing needs to take place across the board."

Ferrell's funeral is on Dec. 10, location TBD. Media welcome.