NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) — The corner of Ann and Edna Street became a place of remembrance Friday night as friends, family, and neighbors gathered to honor 34-year-old Will Francisco, who was accidentally shot dead there last week.

The vigil began at 6:30 p.m. and included prayer, music, and testimonies from people who knew Francisco and others who wanted to address the violence affecting the community.

Community activist Donavon Davis said Francisco had recently been released from prison and was working to turn his life around.

“He really did have a good heart. I want that to be known to the public,” Davis said. “We came out tonight to celebrate his life and his exit from this world. We will extol the virtues and everything about him that is good. We want people to come out and celebrate with us and get fulfilled and restored through ministry.”

Davis said gatherings like Friday’s are meant to turn tragedy into something positive.

“We want to make a positive outcome out of a bad situation, a tragic fate that he suffered,” Davis said. “We’ve been facing violence. Violence is prevalent — it’s become an epidemic with gun violence, with the youth and we want to stand in the gap and…help it evolve and help it become better.”

Pastor Felton Hogan of Holy Ghost Church said the event is about more than one man’s story it’s about helping the next generation reach their potential.

“Once you get the violence to cease or stop, these children can live their full potential,” Hogan said. “You don’t know who you’re shooting…that could be the next Michael Jordan, could be the next president, Barack Obama.”

Davis also shared a personal message for young people struggling with life’s challenges.

“I’m an ex-drug dealer myself. I am Will Francisco. I am the many children in our community not doing good things,” he said. “We’re trying to reach out to one another collectively to help each other rise from the ashes… so we can live a life of wholesomeness and freedom and collective joy. That’s my message to the youth: that I love them unconditionally.”

The vigil was open to the public, and Davis said anyone was welcome to speak, sing, or simply stand in solidarity with Francisco’s family.

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