PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — More than 100 people gathered for a candlelight vigil Wednesday evening near where 12-year-old Kemon Battle died in the Dale Homes community last week.
“It’s not what you do with your kids, it’s the love. They don’t want anything else but love, to love them and care. I hurt … I never thought nothing could hurt me, but I hurt. I just want justice,” cried Battle’s father, Dionte Artis.
Police say Kemon Battle was shot off Lexington Avenue in Portsmouth on Friday.
He was taken to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, where he died the next day.
There were tears in between testimonies as friends and family clenched candles, and an all call for answers.
“We want to know that justice will be served, and that it’s not going unnoticed what did happened to this precious 12-year-old nephew of mine, he didn’t get to live his life we just say justice, justice please justice,” said Battle’s aunt, Tyquisha Artis.
Battle’s aunt also wanted this to be a reminder for parents to hold their children tight and guide them in the right direction.
If you’re interested in helping with the funeral costs, here’s a link to the GoFundMe page.
