Whitney Young student found stabbed to death mourned at memorial

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Students gathered to remember Tuesday to mourn and remember Brandon Porter-Young, a Whitney Young College Prep senior with autism who was found stabbed to death earlier this month.

Porter-Young, 18, was found on Feb. 6 at the hotel where he had been staying with his mother, dead from multiple stab wounds to his upper body, according to Chicago Police and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

"Although we are still experiencing shock, anger, grief and sorrow over Brandon's life being taken, we hope for this morning we can unite as those who loved him, cared for him, and celebrate together Brandon's life and how he inspired each of us," said Rebecca Folkerts, advisor for the Best Buddies program.

Porter-Young played on the Special Olympics basketball team and enjoyed gardening and music, and participated in the Best Buddies program at Whitney Young, which pairs special needs students with other students at the school. He was a quiet student; his autism limited his speech but not his popularity.

One by one his friends from Best Buddies shared stories about him, grieving through song and dance.

"This is some way for us to provide closure for our students; they are hurting too. A lot of students knew Brandon, they are hurting as well," said Dr. Joyce Kenner, principal of Whitney Young.

Porter-Young's death remains unsolved. Police have not released any motives.

Through tears his mother said her heart is broken, but she is grateful to see just how much her son was loved.

Funeral services will be held Friday at Prince of Peace Church. So far no arrests have been made. Porter-Young's family is urging anyone with information to come forward and tell police.