Loved ones and supporters prepare to release balloons in Southeast D.C. on Thursday, July 9, in remembrance of Davon McNeal, 11, who was shot and killed on July 4 at a cookout.
Hundreds of family, friends, and supporters gathered in Anacostia on Thursday to honor and remember 11-year-old Davon McNeal, who was shot and killed during a Fourth of July celebration in Cedar Gardens, where he used to live.
Elsewhere on Thursday evening, D.C. police announced the arrest of 18-year-old Daryle Bond in the fatal shooting of McNeal, and the arrest of 22-year-old Christian Wingfield followed on Friday. Law enforcement are looking for two additional suspects.
But at the Anacostia event, organized by community activist India Blocker-Ford, the focus was on McNeal and the impact he made during his too-short life. Many speakers shared tearful memories of the beloved 11 year old and discussed their take on violence in the community.
Blocker-Ford, the CEO of nonprofit Indy B’s, emphasized the importance of hearing from the children in attendance, like his teammates on the Metro Bengals football team. The event ended with a balloon release — most of the balloons were black and orange, the Bengals’ colors — as the attendees poured their support into the community for healing.
Members of Davon’s football team, the Metro Bengals, arrive at the balloon release to remember their teammate.Dee Dwyer / DCistJohn and Wanda Ayala, Davon’s grandparents, support each other during the event.Dee Dwyer / DCistA woman introduced to the crowd as “Ms. Lee” performs the song “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.”Dee Dwyer / DCistLoved ones and supporters listen to the speakers, which included friends, politicians and activists.Dee Dwyer / DCistAntonio McNeal, Davon’s big brother, shares some of his favorite memories with his little brother.Dee Dwyer / DCistXavione Brown, one of Davon’s teammates, breaks down while speaking about his favorite moments with his friend.Dee Dwyer / DCistPeople light a candle arrangement in the shape of the number 3, which was Davon’s football jersey number.Dee Dwyer / DCistThe crowd begins to release their balloons, many of which were black and orange in honor of Davon’s football team.Dee Dwyer / DCistCrystal McNeal, Davon’s mother, watches the balloons soaring into the sky in remembrance of her son.Dee Dwyer / DCistA car turns into a somber memorial, covered in posters and flowers and notes to Davon.Dee Dwyer / DCist
Dee Dwyer
