HARTFORD, Conn. — The Hartford community gathered Monday night for a vigil to remember three-year old Randell Jones.
Jones was one of two victims in Saturday's back-to-back shootings in broad daylight.
The vigil generated a large and emotional response.
The victim being a toddler made many community members realize just how bad the violence in the city has gotten.
"I mean, three years old! Didn’t even have a chance to see life!" said Thomas Lumpkin of Hartford.
Lumpkin was one of many people who attended to send his condolences at the memorial.
He said he works with the youth on a regular basis and from experience, many who commit these crimes are people who just need to be guided in the right direction.
"They have no outlet. The only life they know is crime street violent shootings, gang banging, selling drugs, the whole nine yards," added Lumpkin.
Reverend Henry Brown has organized every vigil for the City of Hartford every time someone was gunned down and this time, he said he has had enough.
"You go over Magnolia Street, you see a memorial. You go down here on the corner of Capen Street, you see a memorial!" said Reverend Brown with Mothers United Against Violence.
Mayor Bronin also became emotional during his speech.
"In my time as mayor, I don't know a harder one than this," said Mayor Luke Bronin with the City of Hartford.
Jones' mother was embraced with love all around, but her face said it all. It showed a heartbroken mother who lost her youngest. She was too emotional to speak on camera, but Jones' aunt told FOX61 she only has memories of her nephew to live by.
"He was a happy baby. He liked playing the Xbox. He loved his slushie. It hurts. I can’t even express my words," said Johanna Vazquez, Randell's aunt.
Community members also felt the family's pain.
"It’s sad because people retaliate the wrong way. It’s always different things going on. Too much killing in this neighborhood. This needs to stop. We need to come together," said Nidia Garba of Hartford.
Police so far have not announced any arrests, but they strongly urging anyone to come forward with information that may help provide closure for the family.
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.