Mother says thieves stole dead son's prized jersey

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A local mother, whose son died following a high school basketball game, said she’s grieving all over again after someone broke into her Clayton County home and stole his belongings.

Raeshone Coleman told Channel 2’s Audrey Washington that a few weeks ago, the unthinkable happened: someone broke into her Hampton home and stole her furniture and most importantly some of the things that belonged to her son, Terrell.

“They went in the closet got stuff out of the closet,” Coleman said. “They just helped themselves.”

At 6’5” and with a couple of school championships under his belt, Terrell, was a top college basketball prospect. He attended Miller Grove High School and was beloved by his coaches and friends.

But, four years ago, his promising future was cut short when he collapsed after a game.

The 15-year-old, had a heart attack and died.

“I miss him truly. I miss him dearly,” Coleman said.

Coleman said after her son’s death she kept his room exactly the same. She was in the process of moving though, when the break in happened.

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She believes the thieves took advantage of that – and forced their way inside.

Coleman said in all, the thieves got away with her son’s PlayStation, the crystals he bought her and the honorary jersey, given to Coleman by the Atlanta Hawks.

“They left the ball but they took the jersey and on the back, the jersey got ‘Coleman,’” Coleman said.

Coleman said she’s working with police to hopefully track down whomever broke in. She said ultimately, she just wants the jersey and the crystals returned.

“That there that was precious to me, that meant everything to me,” Coleman said. “You could’ve just put it on the porch and you could’ve said I’m sorry or please forgive me whatever, you could’ve just brought that back.”

The Atlanta Hawks said they have heard Coleman's story and will replace her son's jersey. They are also looking at other ways they can help.

Cox Media Group