Mt. Vernon holds vigil after mass shooting kills two, injures five

MT. VERNON, Ill. (KBSI) — The Mt. Vernon community gathered for a prayer vigil following a mass shooting that left two young men dead and five others injured.

Pastor Timothy Brinson of Antioch International Assembly helped lead the vigil, calling on the community to unite and pray for peace throughout the community.

“We just felt the need to come together, to pray for our community, for peace, for unity,” Brinson said. “We lost our young people. people we knew, families we know.”

The victims, Zomarrius Williams and Demonta Woodward, were remembered by those who knew them best, and those who wanted to show their support.

Patricia James of Kingdom Woman Ministry said she came to offer love and hope to heartbroken families.

“We just want to help the healing process for the youngsters and let them know that it does matter how you live,” James said.

Assistant Police Chief Travis Chapman said the investigation remains ongoing, with officers reviewing hours of surveillance video, and conducting interviews.

“We’re not getting a lot of cooperation, but we’re still getting some tips”