Baton Rouge community unites to honor Devin Page Jr. and call for change

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Saturday was the third anniversary of Devin Page, Jr.’s tragic death. He was just 3 years old when a stray bullet struck him while he slept in his bed. His story continues to shake Baton Rouge, but it also served as a call for unity, healing and action.

Family, friends and community members came together Saturday at Howell Park. They honored his life and remembered others lost to gun violence in recent years. The Louisiana Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation hosted the event. They partnered with the Capital Area Police Athletic League.

Cathy Toliver, Page’s grandmother, stood before the crowd and spoke.

“I have done everything I know to do to help families to stop this violence, and I’m exhausted,” Toliver said. “I’m angry, but it’s not just angry. I’m hurting—every breath I inhale is pain, every breath I exhale is pain. I’m hugging everybody, but I’m hurting myself.”

For many, the memorial served as more than a moment of remembrance—it was a plea for change. Organizers urged attendees to speak up, help each other and use Crime Stoppers to keep their neighborhoods safe.

“We have to be able to step up for our community,” said Clay Young, chairman of the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation. “You can step up and not even be known that you did it.”

The event took place at the future site of the Inspiration Center. This center is being built to help educate, empower and heal the community.

“Law enforcement’s role is not just the public safety piece. It’s education. It’s training,” said Colonel Robert P. Hodges of the Louisiana State Police. “And I think the Inspiration Center specifically highlights that.”

The pain of losing Page is still strong for his loved ones. The gathering showed that Baton Rouge is dedicated to honoring his legacy with action, not just words.

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