Charlotte group collects suits for teen boys in honor of shooting victim

A Charlotte mentorship group is organizing a suit collection event to honor Cayden Casanova, a 17-year-old killed in a shooting in north Charlotte in January 2025, WBTV reported. The event, called Suit Up for Change, is scheduled for October 31 at The Hill in Charlotte.

Casanova was shot during what police described as a robbery, and two teenagers have been charged in connection with his death. His killing deeply affected the community, with many young people attending a candlelight vigil in his memory.

Mark Raley, founder of Young Men United, a group that mentors Charlotte teens, has been working with Casanova's family since the tragedy. Raley said Casanova liked to dress well, and the suit drive aims to honor his memory by providing suits to local teen boys.

The event will include suit donations and youth activities such as mentorship sessions. Casanova's mother will also participate in the event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2425 Lester Street in Charlotte.

Raley emphasized that wearing a suit can change a young man's mentality and help him feel dignity and purpose, continuing Casanova's legacy through the community.