CORNELIUS, N.C. — Mothers of Murdered Offspring held a vigil Friday afternoon in Charlotte on the Johnson C. Smith's University campus for the victims of the deadly mass shooting at the University of Virginia.
Devin Chandler, one of the three young men killed, was a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools graduate of Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina. He graduated in 2020.
Devin Chandler was shot and killed in his sleep while returning from a field trip, a witness told prosecutors.
“My first reaction was not another one," Johnson C. Smith University coach Kevon Fly said.
“We're losing our young, Black men, [and] that means were not winning in life,” JCSU coach and member of Mothers of Murdered Offspring Mark Raley said during the vigil. “Those mothers and fathers sent those young men off to campus to get an education and play football, and, all of a sudden, you can get a call from an official saying your son is dead, and that hurts."
The shooting witness who said Chandler was killed in his sleep said the suspect was aiming at "certain people" and "not randomly shooting," according to prosecutor James Hingeley.
“Guns shouldn’t be the first answer,' one JCSU student said at the vigil on Friday.
The Hough High School football team decided to dedicate their Friday night game to Chandler by placing his jersey number 5 on their helmets.
Organizers hope the vigil will bring open conversations about mental health and problem-solving without resorting to violence.
“Hearing the young people first, that’s the first step, to see what’s on their minds and making sure they’re okay," Raley said.
Hough High School Athletics released a statement on Twitter by Devin Chandler's mom Dalayna Chandler saying her family "is heartbroken by our beloved Devin's tragic and violent death."
"Devin was an extraordinary young man who lit up the room with his bright, radiant smile and personality," the statement reads. "He loved to sing, dance, and, of course, play football. He was passionate about helping people and never shied away from working hard on the football field and in the classroom. Devin was motivated by his ambitions to play in the NFL and inspired other young people to dream big dreams as he did."
Dalayna Chandler said in the statement she considered her family "blessed and grateful for the prayers" they've received.
"We also extend our deepest appreciation to the University of Virginia administration, athletics department, faculty, students, and alumni for their phone calls, cards, and heartfelt generosity during this time."
To support Devin Chander's family, they are accepting donations to the Devin Chandler Memorial Foundation. People can donate online or via mail by sending donations to The Devin Chandler Memorial Fund, c/o the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, 114 4th Street SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
The shooting suspect, whom WCNC Charlotte is choosing not to name, was charged with three counts of second-degree murder and five counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, as well as two counts of malicious wounding in connection with the deadly shooting. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 8.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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