Harrisburg High School students mourn the loss of classmate

Police say they found letters written by Kyan at Duarte’s home, one saying in part, “If you’re reading this, I’m dead.”

• Julia Agos/WITF
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  Julia Agos was a reporter and the host of All Things Considered for WITF.

(Harrisburg) – Community members and loved ones met at Harrisburg High School Sunday evening to remember Kyan King.

Attendees held a candlelight vigil for the 16-year-old, who was shot at 18th and Forester on Saturday.

Orlando Duarte, a registered sex offender, has been charged with killing King.

Police say witnesses saw King running away from the 45-year-old Duarte’s home, naked, early Saturday morning. Duarte allegedly fired several shots at King, who died a short time later.

Duarte is charged with criminal homicide and prohibited possession of a firearm.
Harrisburg Police Sergeant Kyle Gautsch said the nature of their relationship is still under investigation.

“It is our understanding that they did know each other, they were acquaintances,” he said.

Police say they found letters written by Kyan at Duarte’s home, one saying in part, “If you’re reading this, I’m dead.”

Duarte was convicted in 2008 of indecent assault of a person less than 16 and in 2012 for deviate sexual intercourse with a child.

Duarte is being held in Dauphin County Prison without bail, and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 28.

Activists are planning a march to raise awareness about violence against minors on Saturday Sept. 5 from 18th and Forester, the scene of the shooting, to the Capitol steps.