Community remembers 5-year-old boy killed last Halloween

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Family, police and community members converged Sunday to remember a 5-year-old boy who was killed by gunfire on Halloween last year.

Aaron Shannon was killed in his backyard in the 1000 block of East 84th Street while showing off his Spider-Man costume.

Shannon had run to the backyard to show his grandfather and uncle his costume just as police said gang members opened fire on each other in the alley. Shannon was in grave condition when he was taken to the hospital and ultimately died of his wounds.

"For some absolute strangers to take aim in a backyard and gun down a 5-year-old kid, that's particularly tough," said William Shannon, the boy's grandfather. "My waking thoughts and the thoughts that I have when I go to bed are about my grandson, about the whole incident."

"He was wearing his Spider-Man suit, he was ready to go, and someone took his life," said Lynda Norwood, the victim's cousin.

Five days after the shooting, two suspected gang members were arrested in connection to the shooting thanks to information provided by the community.

On Sunday, several people were at the Los Angeles Police Department's 77th Street Division for a vigil and to urge community members to stay safe this Halloween.

"I would like for this community to make it safe for our children to go out and enjoy it," said LAPD Capt. Dennis Kato. "Next to Christmas, it's probably the second most important holiday for children to go out, and they should be able to go out freely and not worry about their safety."

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gang activity, shooting, south los angeles, los angeles news, leanne suter

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