Walking Tall shoe drive held in memory of Decatur teen who was murdered

FORSYTH, Ill. (WAND) - A local shoe drive was held to honor the memory of a murdered teenager.

The Walking Tall shoe drive was held in memory of 15-year-old Tyler Eubanks.

Decatur Police said two other 15-year-olds killed Eubanks on July 30, 2023. They said he was put in a chokehold and stabbed 23 times. Witnesses told police the suspects planned the attack, luring Tyler into the building where he was killed.

His family and friends came together to honor his legacy.

Dozens of kids had the chance to stop by Shoe Encore in the Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth. Parents got vouchers two weeks ago during Family Fun Day and were able to cash those in during the event.

Organizer Tonyua McClelland said, "It was Tyler's motivation, to give back to the community. He was a 15-year-old with an awesome dream to be an entrepreneur. So, this is in his honor to give back to the community and very fitting, giving back to the youth as they go back to school."

Organizers say they plan to continue to have the shoe drive for years to come.