Rodney Williams, at right, leads a prayer vigil in front of Lockview Plaza this evening. (PHOTOS BY HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP PHOTOGRAPHER)

ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

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Christian music played quietly in the background during the vigil.

With a guitar playing in the background a 26-year-old friend of the Chandler and Baker-Durst families asked attendees to a prayer vigil this evening to save our city.

"In order for us to save our city we all have to come together," Rodney Williams told the small crowd that gathered for the Lockview Plaza vigil, called by Williams shortly before its 6:30 p.m. start.

Josiah Chandler's father was in attendance, as was his aunt and siblings. There were also friends of Colton Baker-Durst, who Chandler is accused of shooting early Wednesday morning. Despite the potential for animosity, there was none displayed at the rally.

Williams, a youth pastor, said he "got involved because (the shooting) hurt me personally. I know the feeling of being lost and caught up feeling like there's no hope."

He said he arranged the rally in hopes that people from both families and friends "would unite in hopes of seeing the bigger picture."

Williams, who lives just eight blocks from the site of the shooting, said he moved back to Lockport with his wife and kids two months ago to "pour into the lives of teens in the area."

"Collectively I have dealt with over 200 Lockport teens and heard stories you wouldn't believe," Williams said after the rally. "So my objective is to bring hope through the love of Christ Jesus."

Williams is planning another vigil for Saturday.

Vigil attendees included family members of Josiah Chandler and friends of Colton Baker-Durst.

There's more photos from the prayer vigil here.

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