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3-year-old victim killed in Texas mall shooting remembered by teacher

James Cho was the youngest victim who died in the shooting. His mother and father were also killed.

ALLEN, Texas — On Monday, friends of the Cho family identified parents Kyu and Cindy and their 3-year-old son, James, as victims killed in the Allen Premium Outlets mall shooting in Allen, Texas.

At a memorial set up outside the mall, Trinity Whitley told WFAA she was James’ daycare teacher in McKinney.

“[James] was innocent, and he did nothing wrong,” Whitley said. “He usually wore elephant bibs and shirts. He loved elephants, loved elephants.”

The cross at the memorial with James’ name has a stuffed elephant toy pinned on it.

“He was sweet and smart, and he was so cute,” Whitley continued. “And he was brilliant child. I've never actually met a 3-year-old that was that smart. He was three and he was writing his own name.”

Whitley said James’ mother, Cindy, was her dentist.

Credit: Family photo
The Cho family: Parents Cindy and Kyu with their children William and James

"His mom, she was so sweet, and she would always say thank you that [the daycare staff] always takes care of her son," she said.

Whitley brought a green balloon to add to the memorial, which was James’ favorite color, she said.

“He was a super sweet kid and every day we’re going to miss him. And there won’t be a day we’re not thinking about him,” she added.

Kyu and Cindy's other son, 6-year-old William, remains hospitalized but was released from the ICU, according to a GoFundMe page set up for the family.

Prestonwood Christian Academy shared William is a student at the school and in a video said it's providing counseling for students and staff.

Hundreds of people came by the memorial at the mall on Monday.

Organizers said a vigil is planned there for Wednesday at 7 p.m. It’s open to the public.

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