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Victoria Petrole, 8, of Weatherly holds several helium balloons at a vigil for shooting victim Tyler Winstead on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

WILKES-BARRE — Willie Golden hoped Saturday night’s vigil on public square would not only provide a chance to look back on the life of his grandson, Tyler Winstead, as the third anniversary of his death approaches, but also to bring attention to the need for gun safety and community involvement.

He and wife, Carol Golden, were surrounded by those they called friends as candles were lit on public square with a moment taken to remember the young man’s life that ended as an eighth grade student at GAR, having achieved high honors.

The event provided opportunity for loved ones of those lost to violent crime to put their names on a balloons, remembering them as the pastel orbs floated to the night.

Winstead was originally believed to have been killed in a drive-by shooting, but later it was determined that he had been killed by a friend in an accidental shooting.

“The information is out there,” said Golden, “but the public just needs to become more aware.”

Participant David Barber of Wilkes-Barre agrees.

“I’m here to keep the momentum going,” said Barber. “We need to sponsor programs that will give the kids good alternatives.”

Barber, vice-president of the NAACP, said he believes any grant monies directed at providing activities for young people would be “money well used.”

“Our children are our future. We need to invest in them,” said Barber. “I think an official task force would assist us in developing a plan for restoration of our area.”

Darlene Duggins-Magdalinski, a community activist and city mayoral candidate, said Saturday’s shooting at Interfaith Heights was an example of needless violence and the need for a commitment to intervention.

“We need more police on foot patrol and more effective officer trainings,” said Duggins-Magdalinski. “We need to involve the police, youth and community, so we can renew trust and reliance by area residents on our police force.”

Jameson Delauretis, 4, of Wilkes-Barre had a different reason for enjoying the evening.

“I got to hold a candle and a balloon,” he said smiling.