Candlelight vigil held for victim of double shooting

Posted at: 10/20/2012 8:27 PM | Updated at: 10/21/2012 2:54 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com

A candlelight vigil was held Saturday night for one of the victims of a double fatal shooting on the city's east side.

Family and friends of 19-year-old Cameron Patterson gathered to remember his life.

Patterson's mother tells News10NBC they lived in Tampa and were in Rochester for only three months so Patterson could take care of his grandmother. His family says Patterson was "involved with the wrong crowd".

Tara Patterson says she's torn apart. Her 19-year-old son was shot and killed just days ago. She says, "He didn't deserve none of this." She continues, "It's wrong. It's wrong for the other young man that got killed. It's wrong with all these killings."

Police say Cameron Patterson died from gunshot wounds on Quincy Street early Wednesday morning. Officials say Patterson was found laying in the street after being shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other victim is 29-year-old Russell Prout who police say was shot once in the torso inside of a home nearby. He was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital where he later died.

Patterson's family tells News10NBC he was no thief. Tara Patterson says, "He couldn't have did this. My son did not do this. My son was messing around with the wrong crowd and that's what happened."

The community has felt the loss of two of their own and dozens gathered to lend their support. It was especially difficult for the young ones who knew him best.

Tara Patterson says, "My kids grew up with Cameron and he needed to see what the streets have to offer."

Celina Jones made sure to bring her 12-year-old son to the vigil to teach him a lesson. She says she is trying her best to make sure something like this doesn't happen to her kids. Jones says, "I think he's going to see and realize that this isn't what he wants for himself."

As the candles were lit, a circle of peace was formed with everyone standing side by side as they all tried to make sense of this tragedy.

Calling hours for Patterson will be held on Monday at the Ark of the Covenant Church on Lorimer Street from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The funeral is scheduled to follow.

Police are still investigating the incident, but they do not think this was a random act. Investigators believe the incident was drug related and could have been a robbery that was interrupted.

Police say they have no suspects at this time. They are speaking to several witnesses, but still hope more people will come forward. If anyone has any information about this incident, they are urged to call 911.

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