Elkhart vigil remembers 18-year-old shooting victim and all those affected by gun violence
The fallout from gun violence in Michiana was front and center at a candlelight vigil Sunday night in Elkhart.
It was held to mark the five-year anniversary of the 2013 deadly shooting of an 18-year-old.
A community came together to remember Devonte "Ray" Patrick. Although Patrick died five years ago, the celebration of his life will continue forever.
Every year on December 23, his mother holds a vigil.
It's not just to remember her son -- she says it's to honor all of those who have fallen victim to gun violence.
Angela Tanner stood at the podium inside Prairie Street Mennonite Church, reliving her son's death from five years ago.
“It’s just something you never get over,” said Tanner. “You learn to live with it, but it’s just something you never get over.”
It was on this day five years ago when Angela Tanner received the news that her youngest son was shot and killed outside a church parking lot.
Police say it was a drug deal gone wrong.
“You never get used to them not being around,” said Tanner.
With that void, she is now helping others facing similar experiences.
Every year on the anniversary of her son's death, she holds a vigil honoring all of those affected by gun violence.
“The community gets together, we get a chance to come and connect with each other and just be a part of each other,” said Tanner.
After remembering "Ray", people from the audience made their way to the podium and shared their own experiences.
Everyone expressed their desire for change, including Ray's uncle Adrian Riley. He spends his time counseling criminals in the jail -- including his nephew's killers.
“We need legislation,” said Riley. “We need people getting behind the mindset, ‘What would cause you to terminate another person’s life?'”
One by one, people lit their candles and stood in a circle, remembering all those who lost their lives to violent acts. This is an event Tanner says will continue until the crime stops.
The two men involved in Devonte Ray Patrick's death have been convicted and are behind bars.
