"There is nothing more heartbreaking than having to bury your child." Mother of Slain Annapolis Teen Creates GoFundMe, Makes Heartfelt Plea for Help with Funeral Costs and Moving Expenses

The mother of a local teen, who was recently shot to death on Copeland Street in Annapolis, is raising funds to assist with funeral costs and relocation expenses.  

Latarsha Ayer said that the shooting death of her son, 16 year old Robert Clark, is an unexpected tragedy that has turned her family's lives upside down.  "There is nothing more heartbreaking than having to bury your child," Ms. Ayers wrote inside the gofundme page. "Nothing in this world could be more painful than this. And the hurt is constant."

In a statement, a police department spokesperson said that on July 27, 2023, at about 10:18pm, officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Copeland Street following reports of a shooting.  Upon the officers' arrival, two juvenile gunshot victims were located. One of the unidentified victims was determined to be deceased. 

The deceased juvenile was later identified as Robert Clark.  

"Making end-of-life care is not only emotionally taxing, but also financially taxing. As for the remaining funds, I will use them to relocate my family to a safer area since the perpetrator is still at large,"  said Ms. Ayers.

In a letter to families, Annapolis High School Principal Audra Whayland announced Clark's death to the school community. "Robert Clark, who would have been a junior at our school in the fall, died as the result of a shooting in Annapolis," the letter said. "Robert was friendly, shy, and quiet, and he loved to play basketball. He was well-liked by students and staff and 

will be greatly missed."

Robert's mother said his passing has devastated them, and they are having difficulty finding the means to cover his funeral costs. "To honor his memory and say our last goodbyes, we would like to give him the memorial he deserves."

All funeral costs will need to be paid by August 11, 2023.  To donate, click: GoFundMe