Community holds vigil for slain teen

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Community members held a vigil tonight in hopes to end violence in the Wilmington area, following today’s death of Shane Simpson.

Simpson, 16, was killed during a drive-by shooting near 11th and Castle streets, where four others were injured.

Community Leader Kevin Spears called for the vigil over social media Sunday afternoon. He says it’s time for the community to stand together and put a stop to the violence.

“If you want to see positivity, it starts in the community,” said Spears. “It will catch on everywhere else, but it starts here with us.”

Shane Simpson’s father spoke and prayed during the vigil, and said he “wanted to participate, so what happened to his son wouldn’t happen to anyone else.”