NORFOLK, Va. — Less than a week after a 17-year-old is shot and killed in Norfolk, people are coming together to remember him. A candlelight vigil was held at Richard Bowling Elementary in Norfolk Tuesday evening.
“We can’t let our brother’s life be in vain," said a man speaking to the crowd gathered at the vigil.
Watch: 17-year-old killed in shooting on 35th Street in Norfolk
Passionate speeches, balloons, candles and pictures honored the life of 17-year-old Jordan Hill.
“For this to happen to him, it’s been shocking to all of us," said Sabrina Mackie, Hill's aunt.
Mackie said Hill’s death has been rough on the family because his life was moving in a positive direction.
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Hill’s sisters agree it has been rough and said they have been trying to help their family through it.
“We’re trying to keep my mom strong and stuff, for her other kids, too," said Nakia Platt, one of Hill's sisters.
As News 3 has reported, police say they were called to the 800 block of W. 35th Street in the Park Place Neighborhood around noon July 18 after Hill’s body was found.
Watch: ‘The Soul of Norfolk’: Park Place businesses fuel cultural, economic revival
Audio from a 911 dispatcher reveals details of the discovery.
“Caller says she went to take out the trash and there is a deceased body behind this address," a dispatcher says.
"At the end of the day, if you aren't making a difference in somebody’s life, it doesn’t even matter, man," said community activist Clay Marquez.
Watch: Norfolk man dedicated to ending gun violence is an 'Everyday Hero'
Marquez was among the speakers at the vigil. He urged people to step up and take better care of each other.
When News 3 asked Mackie what the family’s message to the community is, she said something has to be done for kids. She wanted to see more recreation centers open.
In the meantime, she was hopeful the family would eventually get justice for Hill’s death.
“We want everybody to know, let the police do their job. Let the detectives do their job. Let them get whoever did this," said Mackie.
