LOUISVILLE, KY -- Dozens of motorcyclists, moved by the murder of 12 year old Ray Etheridge gathered for a memorial ride in his name on Saturday.
'We wanted to pull together and do something for our community in the name of Ray, so we decided to organize a ride and donate the funds to PNC bank to a fund, so they can donate it for a memorial in his name,' said RJ Slaymaker, organizer of the ride.
Ray Etheridge, known as Ray Ray to his family and friends, was found murdered in Cherokee Park on October 1st. 21-year-old Joseph Cambron has been charged with the murder.
'It was a tragic death that happened and we wanted to do something to pay respects to the child, to the family, and also bring awareness to this for future instances that child abuse and stuff like that, there's always people willing to come together and maybe make the public more aware of when situations like this arise,' said Slaymaker.
Ray's cousin Patricia Sulner took part in the ride. She says the outpouring of support for his family has been amazing.
'It's just a blessing, everybody that's here and I'm glad we're here keeping ray ray's memory alive and God be with him and with our children,' said Sulner.
This ride was initially planned to help cover the costs of Ray's funeral and headstone, but Master P paid for his burial and Cave Hill Cemetery donated a tombstone. The fund, at PNC Bank, will go to help Ray's nine-year-old little brother.
There will be another tribute for Ray on Sunday, October 12.There will be 12 hours of music to honor his 12 years of life from noon to midnight.
