Family of Taft High School graduate finally gets closure after killer found guilty

SAN ANTONIO – More than a yr and a part after the homicide of Joshua Wardi, his circle of relatives finally has some closure.

Wardi, a Taft High School graduate, was once killed outdoor a bar in Manhattan, Kansas, whilst stationed at Fort Riley in Feb. 2022.

“This is my second adopted land. I ran because of the killing in (South Sudan). If this happened here, why am I even here?” mentioned Rose Wani, Wardi’s mom.

Wani moved to the U.S. for a greater and more secure existence for her son.

He was once shot and killed through Tremelle R. Montgomery, who was once found guilty on fees of capital homicide, tried homicide, and irritated attack on Sept. 11.

“I can go to sleep in peace,” mentioned Wani.

Wani mentioned the day that Wardi died, her circle of relatives grew.

“You are watching from Heaven. Your teammates, your coaches never leave your momma alone, and your momma will never be alone,” mentioned Wani.

The brotherhood Wardi created whilst main the Taft Raiders basketball group is one that may’t be damaged and has simplest gotten more potent within the face of tragedy.

“The impact that he had on those boys and our team and our program and our community has been felt,” mentioned head basketball trainer Karl Lawson.

Coach Lawson mentioned as just right as Wardi was once at the courtroom, he was once a fair higher individual off of it.

The basketball group has retired Wardi’s quantity 0 jersey and has created a scholarship in his title.

“We set up a scholarship in his name strictly on character. The character that he had — they all respected him,” mentioned Aly Guerrero.

Now, his former group raises cash for the scholarship at the hardwood, honoring a existence reduce quick through making a legacy.

“We love you and we’re just going to try our best to meet you one day again,” mentioned Wani.