Police say 11-year-old Harley Belance, who was shot and killed in the Oxford Circle section of the city, was riding a scooter with a friend.
On Saturday, dozens gathered at the scene, and balloons were launched into his memory.
In the crowd was Suzanne Hatcher, who says that Harley was her son’s best friend.
“We are numb. We are numb. Very young. He is a baby. It should never have happened,” said Hatcher.
Police said Harley and a 14-year-old friend were riding a scooter on Block 1500 on McKinley Street on Friday, just before 7 pm, when the shots were fired.
Harley was shot in the neck and killed, officials say.
Your friend was shot in the arm and ankle and is in stable condition.
Authorities say a man was seen shooting at 1400 McKinley Street.
At the vigil, people called for rampant armed violence to end.
“When that happens, guess who’s left to clean up the mess? The women in our community. So for every young person who’s here, I want you to sit down and take a good look at your life,” said Terence Harrell, who heads the social media account @nogunzone dedicated to highlighting the number of victims of armed violence in Philadelphia.
Harley was described as a vibrant young man who loved to hang out with his friends.
Action News spoke to a family friend who did not want to be identified.
“His personality has always been so open and brilliant. And seeing him like this, hearing this news, is crazy. My heart is crushed,” she said.
Police say it is not clear whether Harley and his friend were the targets of the shooting.
So far, no arrests have been made.
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