My name is Jennifer, known to many as "Jenny Pooh." On March 31, 2026, my 13-year-old son LaJuan Swopes, known to many as "Juan Juan," was shot and killed. The shooting occurred at the end of a track meet in the parking lot of the STEAM Academy at McCluer-South Berkeley High School on Brotherton Avenue in Saint Louis, MO. My son was loved and well respected all over Saint Louis. He's the second oldest of my five boys. I raised my sons to be mannerable and respectful to others. I work long hours to provide for my sons to make sure that they don't ever have to rob, steal, or kill to get by. My son wasn't a saint, but he was an amazing young man. At the age of 13, my son had a lawn care business with him and my other sons. They wanted to make their own money, so I raised them to be able to earn it by working hard. I've always taught them that nothing in life is free. He was my son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, and a friend to many. He will truly be missed.

Me and my sons had just lost everything to a house fire back in June of 2025. I had to work 10 times harder to get back everything without any type of assistance or help. My sons lost their father in 2020 due to gun violence. So, I've been a striving single mother doing all I can to provide for my boys whatever it is that they need and desire. I have so many people calling and texting, asking how you all can help. We need therapy and more because losing LaJuan is a tragedy I can't even put into words.