CENTERVILLE — A Centerville screen print and embroidery company has launched a memorial community fund campaign for a 4-year-old boy in northeast Ohio who was shot and killed this week in what police are investigating as a home invasion.
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Alley Cat Designs, Inc., is raising funds through apparel sales to benefit the Rowan Memorial Community Fund.
Monies raised will honor Rowan Sweeney, who was slain in Struthers, Ohio, Sept. 21.
Struthers police said two men and two women were wounded when a man forced his way into a home early Monday morning and started shooting. Rowan belonged to one of the women.
“The child tragically died in his mother’s arms,” Struthers Police Chief Tim Roddy said in a prepared statement.
The suspect ran.
But Monday evening, Kimonie Bryant, 24, who police said is connected to the shooting, turned himself in to authorities, Chief Roddy said. Bryant remains in the Mahoning County Jail with no bond on aggravated murder charges.
“This tragedy hits our Alley Cat family hard,” Ron D’Alissandris, Alley Cat Designs, Inc owner, said in a statement Wednesday night.
“One of our employees is from Struthers and knows the family well. She asked if there was something we could do, and we jumped right on it. Proceeds from sales will be placed directly into the Rowan Memorial Community Fund, which will help fund funeral costs and a community playground in Struthers.”
The web store has sweatshirts (hoodies and crewnecks) and T-shirts (long and short sleeve) with a special “Justice for Rowan” logo. Prices range from $20 to $35.
Sales end Oct. 11.
All sales are final.
To purchase a “Justice for Rowan” sweatshirt or T-shirt, click here
For more, visit https://justiceforrowan.alleycatstore.com/, or email shop@alleycatworldwide.com.