‘Help us break the silence, tackle violence’: community prays at virtual vigil after 8-year-old boy was shot and killed

Hundreds of Nova Scotians gathered virtually Thursday night to pray after an 8-year-old boy from North Preston, NS, was shot and killed earlier this week.

The virtual vigil unfolded on Zoom as more than 425 people watched a YouTube live stream through the Nova Scotia Black Cultural Center, extending their condolences to Lee’Marion Cain’s family.

There were calls for peace, justice and strength during a time of sadness, confusion and anger.

Several pastors led the community through prayer, including the Rev. Wallace Smith of Saint Thomas Baptist Church, who said he spoke with Lee’Marion’s family on Wednesday.

“We hope that our prayers can be strong and encouraging to help you get through this terrible situation that you are going through right now,” Smith said.

“We are saddened by the tragedy of this young man, aged eight, being shot by another person. But, Lord God, we know that you are the great physician and the great healer, and you will heal them in the days to come. “

The Reverend Dr. Lennett Anderson prayed for the people to speak.

“We pray for justice to come true in this province,” Anderson said. “Help us to break the silence. To address violence. We pray that you will soften the hearts of anyone with information. “

The virtual vigil was organized by MLA Angela Simmonds area, the African United Baptist Association, the Black Social Workers Association and the Black Canadian Health Association.

The Black Canadian Health Association shared information about a helpline that was established during COVID-19. Individuals can call 1-855-732-1253 ext. 2, Please leave a voice message and messages will be returned within 12 hours.

Early Thursday, a memorial made up of teddy bears and flowers continued to grow outside Nelson Whynder Elementary School in North Preston.

Miranda Cain, Lee’Marion’s cousin and founder of the nonprofit North Preston’s Future, said the community is in shock.

“Now we are just trying to bond over and comfort her mother because she will really be sorry for years and years to come,” Cain said. “Christmas is throwing away a big monkey wrench. COVID too. Not even thinking about their funeral services and how we can’t all go to the service to say goodbye to them. “

Lee’Marion’s death occurred as a result of a shooting that occurred Tuesday on Windmill Road in Dartmouth shortly after 4 p.m.

Halifax Regional Police say the boy and a 26-year-old man were shot while in a vehicle.

Police say the shots were fired from another vehicle and that the 26-year-old suffered non-life threatening injuries. Police did not provide further details about the man.

“We do not believe this is a random incident,” Const. John MacLeod said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “The suspects are described as two black men driving a burgundy pickup. Possibly a Chevrolet with tinted windows. “

As of Thursday, no arrests had been made.

When asked if the incident was related to any recent shooting, Const. MacLeod said the investigation is in its early stages and that police do not have any information to suggest it is related to other incidents.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information should contact the police at 902-490-5020 or Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Reference-atlantic.ctvnews.ca

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