"Justice for JuJu": Mother Fights for Safer Streets in Memory of Her Son

A Family's Journey from Tragedy to Advocacy

A family in Columbia is using their personal loss to drive a powerful mission aimed at making a positive change in the Midlands by working to keep guns off the streets. This effort stems from the tragic murder of Julian “JuJu” Keel, a young boy whose life was taken too soon. His mother, Adrien Watson, has spoken openly about the pain and struggle of losing her child, describing it as a unique kind of loss that no parent should ever have to endure.

“Julian is an amazing child. I still have to say, it’s hard for me to say he was,” Watson shared, reflecting on the difficulty of speaking about her son’s passing. It has been a year since JuJu was killed, and the impact of his death continues to shape the lives of his family and community.

Since the tragedy, Julian’s parents have launched a foundation in his honor, aiming to preserve his memory while also creating a safer environment for others. Watson emphasized that the foundation is not just about remembrance but also about action. “We should not have to say justice for any of our babies. But unfortunately, I’m here,” she said, highlighting the painful reality that many families face when dealing with gun violence.

Watson explained that through therapy, she has transformed her grief into a form of ministry. She described a deep spiritual struggle during this time, saying, “I had to wrestle with the Lord, if that makes any sense, because I’m trusting the same presence who had the power to save to get through. And my son isn’t here. So, it was a struggle. It might have been a wrestle but never abandonment. That trust is what got me through.”

This faith and determination now fuel her fight for justice. According to authorities, JuJu was shot in the crossfire between two groups involved in a fight. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting: a 16-year-old wearing an ankle monitor and a 20-year-old named Tonie Wilson. Just two months ago, a judge denied bond for Wilson, underscoring the seriousness of the charges against him.

For Watson, justice means more than legal proceedings—it involves working to clean up the streets and prevent further tragedies. “I don’t want another mother or another father or another baby brother to sit on that front pew staring at your child, your sibling at your grandchild and I can tell you something for sure that was tough,” she said, emphasizing the emotional toll of such losses.

Through JuJu’s foundation, the family is partnering with Columbia Police to host an anonymous gun turn-in event at Second Nazareth Baptist Church. This location holds special significance as it was where JuJu’s funeral was held. The event aims to encourage residents to surrender firearms safely, contributing to a safer community.

“It’s about the greater good because if we really look at the big picture, if we’re able to get just one gun off the streets, we are potentially saving one life,” Watson said, highlighting the importance of this initiative. She admitted it is heartbreaking that it took such a loss to spark this movement, but she sees advocating for justice as her life’s mission.

Event Details

Anonymous Gun Turn-In
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Location: Second Nazareth Baptist Church
Address: 2300 Elmwood Ave
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Instructions:
- Ensure the weapon is unloaded
- Enter via Read Street
- Inform law enforcement of the weapon’s location
- Law enforcement will remove the weapon
- Exit via Heidt Street

Watson expressed gratitude for the support she has received and the opportunity to move forward. “God, I’m grateful that you are helping me to move forward,” she said, reflecting on her journey of healing and advocacy.