HOUSTON – Hundreds of mourners prayed and sang together for more than an hour on Tuesday night at the exact spot where 13-year-old Angel Morales lost his life over the weekend.
"Oh, God," cried Angel's mother, Olga Valeriano, surrounded by loved ones and friends holding candles. "My little boy!"
"I feel so bad for his mom," said Kieth Lynch, who was born and raised in the neighborhood. "I don't know them, but my heart hurts just like theirs."
Police are looking for the gunmen who opened fire at a block party in Independence Heights, injuring several people and killing Morales.
One of the boy's former teachers, Mr. Diaz, attended the vigil.
"Pray for the family!" he told the crowd. "Allow them to mourn. But don't let Angel's death be in vain."
Diaz said Angel loved to sing and help his classmates with whatever they needed. He said Angel told him he wanted to grow up to work as a police officer.
The family will sponsor a food drive this Saturday to help raise money for funeral expenses. If you know anything about the shooting, contact the Houston Police Department.