AUBURN, Wash. — Family and friends of a 16-year-old shot and killed in Auburn said their final goodbyes Thursday.
A memorial service was held for 16-year-old Xavier Landry, followed by a balloon release at Liberty Park in Renton.
Auburn police said Xavier was found shot around 10:45 p.m. on July 12 in the 500 block of A Street SE. Officers performed life-saving measures, but he died at the scene. Police said soon after, two other juveniles with gunshot wounds were found and taken to the hospital.
Xavier's family said he always helped uplift others.
"If you really want to sum him up, he was a smile and smiles change people, and that’s what he did; he changed a lot of people," said Thomas Lyons, Xavier's grandfather.
"He mended hearts that were broken or sad, he was that ray of light in a dark place for many people not just family, he was loved," said Lonnisha Landry, Xavier's mother.
He dreamed of becoming a social worker to continue to help people, but that ray of light was dimmed too soon.
"I call him my shooting star because he's gone so fast, but he left so much goodness behind," said Marcella Lyons, Xavier's grandmother.
Xavier was a beloved friend, son and brother. On Thursday, his loved ones said their goodbyes while leaning on their faith.
"God gave him to us for 16 years. He came early and he left early, but he left so much for us to think about and remember that he’ll never be forgotten," said Marcella Lyons.
Xavier's mother called for justice.
"I'm hoping the real people responsible for this are held accountable, I'm hoping for peace. I want to push love and push positivity during this dark time in my life. I am a grieving mom but I'm still able to love through it," Landry said.
Landry wants young people to stop picking up guns and achieve their dreams in Xavier's memory.
"We want kids to know that people love them, we don't want you guys to feel unsafe or feel hurt," Landry said.
No arrests have been made, and Auburn police said detectives are working on leads on the case.