ELYRIA —  A crowd of people gathered at Ely Square on Monday to pray for the family of NaJia Boone, a third-grader who died Feb. 3 after being shot in the head by her brother.

“Thank you everyone for coming out for my granddaughter,” said Clechie Craighead, breaking down. NaJia’s parents, Teneshia Craighead and Dariel Boone, did not attend the vigil.

The prayer vigil was organized by Interfaith Ministries Against Violence and the Task Force for Community Mobilization. Youth minister Angel Arroyo Jr. opened with a prayer for peace.

“Pray for the Boone family, in this mess of a situation, that peace comes upon them,” Arroyo said. “Stand strong for peace — peace around this country, peace around this world.”

Interfaith Ministries Imam Paul Hasan called for the rejection of a culture that glamorizes violence.

“We have to begin to reject violence and guns in our community,” Hasan said. “If we don’t love and respect our children, then we have no future. We can’t go anywhere without (them).”

NaJia, 8, and her 10-year-old brother were struggling over a gun the boy had brought home from a relative’s house when the gun went off and shot NaJia in the right side of her head. Her mother called 911 and then drove NaJia to EMH Regional Medical Center rather than wait for the ambulance. NaJia was later transferred to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where she died Feb. 3.

Elyria Mayor Bill Grace talked about the emotional wound to the community.

“Accidents happen, and it’s something we will feel bad about forever,” Grace said. “We’re here to show support for this tragic event in our community. We share the grief of the family and hope, over time, this sorrow subsides. We love you, we respect you and we’re here for you. The thoughts and prayers of this community are with you.”

Several family members and family friends spoke, including two of NaJia’s cousins.

“NaJia will be sadly missed,” said Tyra Boone, 14.

“Learn to respect others,” said Kenisha Carter, 15, also a cousin.

NaJia’s great-aunt, Lila Taylor, called for stricter gun laws and tighter scrutiny by the entire community.

“We need to be aware of what our children are doing and what other people around our children are doing,” Taylor said. “NaJia had a good mom and a dad who loved her. Her memory will live on. You’ve got to remember that what happened to her can happen to you.”

“In the darkness, the Bible says the light will shine,” Arroyo said. “When a death occurs, sometimes it’s to bring people together. We need to stand strong and help this family. It’s not the kids’ fault.”

Contact Alicia Castelli at 329-7144 or acastelli@chroniclet.com.

 

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