LAPLACE — Kerell Sanders was somebody who could walk to the board and command the attention of the class, explaining concepts with such humor and clarity that even those dozing off began to wake up, pay attention and understand.

Kerell, 18, was one of the victims of last week’s double homicide in Reserve. His cousin, Kyron Perrilloux, 20, was killed alongside him.

As of press time Tuesday morning, Theron Williams and Kelvin Taylor were in custody, linked the second-degree murder of the young men.

Balloon release ceremonies have been held in honor of both victims.

Kerell’s mother, Keisha Sanders, said her son was someone who could turn any difficult situation into a smile.

He was smart — he’d designed a homemade hovercraft by the time he was in eighth grade and was the only one in his class to advance to the state level science fair.

At the time of his death, Kerell was only weeks away from starting his freshman year at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he planned to study engineering.

According to Keisha Sanders, Kerell was in communication with a manager at Dupont and was promised an internship upon reaching his second year of college.

“My son was a positive person,” Sanders said. “He always found a way to make other people smile. At his graduation, the salutatorian mentioned him in her speech and said how he always finds a funny moment. You can be sad, devastated, and he will find a way to make you laugh and make you smile. That was my son.”

Kerell was a hero in the eyes of his younger brother, who always strived to bring home the same grades on his report card and play the same sports.

“My son was the epitome of a big brother,” Sanders said. “He set an example of excellence. My son was a good friend, a good brother, a good grandson, a good nephew. I’m not saying he’s perfect, but when it comes to relationships, friendships and loyalty, he was an uplifter.”

Sanders did not realize poetry was one of her son’s talents until he came home with a second place award from a talent competition. His winning poem, written in 2018, talked about the power of knowledge over senseless fighting.

After reflecting on violence in the world, Kerell took a long pause and asked, “but…why?”

He went on to say, “You think you’ve won, but you’re already defeated. I’ve beaten you because God has given me a higher power, my knowledge. Pick up a book; it’s not cool to be a fool. We’ve got this free gift of school.”

The son of Keisha Sanders and Troy Campbell Jr., Kerell was born Oct. 24, 2000. He will be deeply missed.