Peace Urged at Vigil for Murdered Roxborough Student

Under a lonely, flickering streetlight where Rashawn "Shawnee" Anderson was , hundreds gathered Friday night to celebrate his life and plea for peace in a candlelit vigil.

Organized by friends and family at the Abbortsford Housing Complex in Hunting Park, the vigil featured remembrances of the senior, music, prayers and community leaders urging residents to resist the need for retaliation.

Philadelphia Police haven't listed a specific motive for Anderson's death, which was caused by a gunshot wound to the head while he was walking along 3200 McMichael Street at 11 p.m. However, suspect Anderson was killed due to a long-term feud between Abbortsford and a complex at 29th and Allegheny streets.

"No one else needs to be killed," Anderson's brother Treshawn said at the ceremony Friday night.

Many were crying throughout the ceremony, which was balanced by heavy and light moments. The scene was lit with candles of all sorts, and many left gifts, balloons, signs and candles surrounding the streetlight where Anderson fell.

"It's nice that everyone is here. Shawnee would have liked it if he were here... But it's not supposed to happen. We're not supposed to be here," Treshawn said.

Community leaders urged restraint from residents, and said meetings to diffuse the situation would be scheduled soon.

"This isn't a game. It could be your son, or your grandson. Who's going to be next?... I know you can ride out. Everyone in the city knows Abbortsford can ride out," one community leader said. "But let's make this rally a positive moment. Let's honor Shawnee's memory in that way."

Anderson's family members invited Abbortsford residents to a private memorial service next week, which they said would be more of a party than a funeral. The Roxborough senior, 18, was scheduled to graduate from high school in June.