Hundreds of community members showed up at the Streetsboro High School stadium Sunday to remember an 11-year-old who was shot and killed last week.
Police said the boy was shot by his 13-year-old brother inside their home.
His teachers remembered the 11-year-old boy as quiet and optimistic, saying he loved his cowboy boots, to read, to tell jokes and to play tag at recess.
"He was a future success story that we all anticipated hearing about. He touched our hearts in many different ways and will forever be missed and never forgotten,” said one of his teachers.
“We’re overwhelmed with such an outpouring of love and support from our family, our friends and all of this community,” said the 11-year-old's step-mom Jackie Lishing.
“In our busy lives never underestimate that the smallest gesture, kind words, a smile or a random act of kindness can change a life. We’re heartbroken, but we trust in an awesome, loving, merciful God that holds us in the palm of his hands,” Lishing said.
Lishing reached out to other parents who attended the vigil.
“So tonight hug your children a little tighter, a little longer, and just like we did with our son ask them how they made a positive difference in their world today,” Lishing said.
The event’s organizer Tracy Campbell said it took a lot of strength and courage for the victim's family to attend the vigil and speak to the crowd.
“That was a last minute decision. They felt compelled. They were very overwhelmed by the community support and wanted to say some words as well,” Campbell said.
