CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Family and loved ones met Saturday at Camp Greene Park in Charlotte for a vigil honoring and remembering the life of 22-year-old Derrick Baker Jr.
Baker died earlier this month in a shooting at the intersection of Tom Hunter Road and North Tryon Street. A 17-year-old is now facing charges.
“My comfort comes from whenever I see my son – my son told me he loved me. My son would call me at 2 a.m. and tell me he loved me,” Baker’s mom shared at the vigil. “DJ was – DJ is life."
During the vigil, many spoke about the violence the community has seen, how more needs to be done, and how they hope this moment is the catalyst for change.
“Tell your kids you love them. I promise that is my strength. All I hear in my head from my son is ‘I love you ma,’” Baker’s mom said.
“We can lose our life today, tomorrow, next year, 30 years – it doesn’t matter. We don’t know,” a cousin shared.
The event ended with a candle lighting and a balloon release and a call: "Long live DJ."
Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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