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Mother of suspect in JJ Clavo's murder says he is innocent

On Thursday morning, Sacramento police charged Keymontae Lindsey with murder.

Police say Lindsey is listed in Sacramento County as 16-years-old but has multiple birth dates listed. His mother says he is only 15-years-old.

Lindsey has been at the Sacramento County Juvenile Hall since the day after the shooting on a separate weapons charge.

Lindsey's mother, Ranika Moore, says he's just a kid and that she doesn't believe he did this.

"The justice system is unjust but we have to take its course and trust it'll prove my son innocent," said Moore.

Moore has been visiting Lindsey almost every day for the past three months. She didn't find out that he was the prime suspect in Jaulon "JJ" Clavo's murder until yesterday morning after a press conference.

"[Keymontae called me and told me they charged him...within 20, 30 minutes, it was all over the news," said Moore. "He was upset to be charged with something he knows he didn't do but he was more concerned with me [because] he was my encouragement and support system."

Lindsey's family says he is not a gangbanger, as police said.

Regjuan Lindsey is Keymontae's older brother by only a year. Friday morning's visit to the jail was his first time seeing his brother since November. He describes his little brother as a quiet kid who loves football.

"He has friends from all different aspects of life, from church friends to friends that might not be the best for him to be around," said Moore.

Moore believes that ability to be friends with everyone may be the reason he's now behind bars.

"He was pulled over in the car, he was not the driver. Let's make that clear. And the gun was found in the car. They believe that's the same gun that killed JJ," said Moore. "I believe he possibly was with the wrong people at the wrong time around the wrong situation."

Now this tragic situation has two families, who had no connection, feeling broken.

"It's sad in both situations. My heart goes out to [JJ's mother]. I appreciate her acknowledging the situation me and my family are going through," said Moore. "Don't make [Keymontae] out to be this monster."

Lindsey will be tried as an adult on 4 different charges: homicide, attempted homicide, shooting into occupied vehicle, and gang enhancement. He'll make his first appearance in court on Monday.

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