ATHENS, Ga. — Family and friends of a pregnant mom killed while trying to protect her son gathered Thursday night to honor her life and that of her unborn daughter.
Hundreds came together to pray at the doorstep of Auriel Callaway's home. Athens-Clarke County Police said the 24-year-old was shot Monday night a the Clarke Gardens Apartments. She was an innocent bystander.
Her mother fought back tears as she thanked everyone for their support.
"I didn't know my child had this much love," LaShonda Callaway said. "And I just appreciate everybody coming out here. I know Thumper probably looking down here and saying, 'Momma, look at all these people that love me!'"
Hundreds gather at vigil to honor pregnant mom killed in Athens
Also in the crowd, was Auriel's young son, Mason. He's only 3 years old.
"A young man that will grow up not knowing his mother," Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Cleveland Spruill said.
He's asking for the community's help to stop gun violence.
"Guns are everywhere, and people are too quick to use them. So, I would ask you all help me get that message out in the community to get the gun's down," he said.
Holding her nephew, Auriel's sister echoed the chief's words.
"Put the guns down," Kearia Rucker said. "Kids are out here. Kids can't even play because people don't know how to act."
Auriel's uncle, Bryant Gantt, said he is working with police to set up a gun buyback for Sunday.
"We don't care where it came from, we don't care what it looks like, we don't care if it works or not," he said. "For everyone that brings a gun out, I'm going to give you $100 cash, no questions asked."
As her family is struggling to move forward, police continue their investigation. One person has already been arrested.
On Wednesday, police arrested 27-year-old Kiresa Cooper for felony murder and aggravated assault charges. Officers are continuing to look for others who were involved.
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