All photos by Ben Westhoff
A mourner outside the funeral for James Johnson Jr.
On Monday more than 500 people came out to pay their respects to James Johnson, Jr., also known as rapper Swagg Huncho from North County rap group 3 Problems. He was murdered on December 13, less than a week before his 19th birthday.
See also: The Death of Swagg Huncho: Loyalty, Hip-Hop and the North County Nightmare
Friends, family, and fans of the group – many clad in homemade tribute shirts, pants, and headbands – gathered in Country Club Hills for the memorial service. Johnson’s groupmate Lil Tay and other associates rapped, a close friend of the bereaved mother read a poem, ministers implored the gathered to find Jesus, and a homicide department representative urged attendees to share information on Johnson’s case. People had to be turned away from the service after the mortuary reached capacity.
Outside in the parking lot afterward, mourners played 3 Problems’ new album, smoked weed, and remembered the charismatic, talented, fallen teen, the latest victim in an endless string of St. Louis gun violence.
Below, photos from the scene outside the funeral.
Turn the page for more scenes outside the funeral.
See also: Rapper Swagg Huncho of Three Problems Shot in St. Louis
