Fundraiser this weekend in honor of slain Hagerstown teen
A kickball tournament this weekend in Hagerstown held in honor of a teenager who was the victim of a recent fatal stabbing will benefit The Salvation Army's teen center, one of the organizers said Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the teenager accused of killing Daeshon Banks waived his preliminary hearing on the charges.
Mark Mefikeh Ngwafon, 17, of Hagerstown, is charged as an adult with one count each of first- and second-degree murder, two counts each of first- and second-degree assault and and two counts of reckless endangerment in the May 8 incident south of Hagerstown.
The Kicking for Kids Kickball Classic will honor Daeshon Banks, co-organizer Kalim Johnson said.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday confirmed Daeshon was the 17-year-old Hagerstown teen killed during a May 8 stabbing south of Hagerstown, according to Sgt. Carly Hose.
Johnson, who said he knows Banks' mom, said the fundraiser is about finding other things for youths to do and how to manage their anger.
There are already groups like The Salvation Army and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington County doing good, but a lot more can be done, he said.
Daeshon was a senior at South Hagerstown High, where he played football during his freshman and sophomore years, according to his obituary. When he was younger, he played football for the Hagerstown Giants, part of the Washington County Junior Football League.
The teen was a "fun loving, charismatic, social butterfly that infected everyone with love and kindness," his obituary states.
Six teams, with 64 players, are set for the kickball tournament, but if someone is still interested in playing there could be an opportunity to play if spots need filling Sunday, Johnson said.
The tournament will begin around 1:30 p.m. Sunday at National Little League, 728 Frederick St., Johnson said. The tournament will feature six, six-inning games.
The trophy will be a customized kickball featuring Daeshon's name, Johnson said. The artist is Rachel Mock.
Money leftover after costs such as player T-shirts and sponsor banners will be donated to The Salvation Army, Johnson said. Sponsors include A Class Hair Studios and Tucker's Pucker Lemonade.
In addition to the $100 per team registration fees and the sponsors, other revenue is expected from vendors donating 10% of their proceeds, Johnson said. Attendees also can make direct donations.
The fundraiser is being organized by Johnson, Beth Hoffman Hill and Tribe Cold Press Juice Bar.
Vendors at the event will include the juice bar and Tucker's Pucker with its deep-fried hot dogs. Johnson said other vendors are expected, including products like candies, juices, empanadas and more.
Two stabbed at birthday party
Authorities responded to Brownstone Place in the Westfields subdivision on May 8 for what was originally reported to 911 as a disturbance and then upgraded to a stabbing, authorities said. The Washington County dispatch center received a 911 call at 12:25 a.m.
During a May 9 hearing in Washington County District Court, Assistant State's Attorney Christina Palmer told the judge there was a group of people at a birthday party "pushing and shoving each other."
A Ring camera and cellphone footage showed the suspect holding a knife "and swinging it toward people," Palmer said.
Ngwafon had been in the Washington County Detention Center when he first was arrested, but since has been housed at the Western Maryland Children Center on Roxbury Road.
His attorney, Lew Metzner of Hagerstown, declined to comment Wednesday after the case was sent to Washington County Circuit Court.
The second victim was later identified through court as Alexander Green. Sheriff's office Detective Sgt. Howard Ward said previously the second victim was around the same age as the other two and also is from Hagerstown.
More local crime: Man charged with shooting at deputies denied bail; 23 spent casings, 26 firearms recovered
More local happenings: Warplanes land at Hagerstown Aviation Museum
More local news: Bowman, Sheetz plan truck stop for Spielman Road; zoning board to conduct hearing
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Kickball tournament to honor Daeshon Banks, benefit teen program
