BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — On Tuesday night, in a Central Bakersfield neighborhood, off of M St. and 10th St., two African-American males were killed.
Paul Dean according to his brother, Tommy Davidson, was one of the men who was fatally shot on Tuesday night.
"I’m broken-hearted you know he was a big part of me and to this community," said Davidson.
The Bakersfield Police Department has since arrested suspect Eric Lavelle Nichols, who now faces two counts of murder.
On Saturday, community leaders and other groups gathered at the same location and called for action to end violence in the community.
More than two dozen people surrounding the vigil held a prayer for all families involved.
The group exchanged a passionate and emotional dialogue on how to prevent another tragedy from happening again.
The NAACP, Wendale Davis foundation, and a newly founded organization, Mothers Against Gang Violence were seen throughout the circle of people.
"I have a team of individuals with me apart of the Wendale Davis Foundation, that are former gang members, ex-convicts, and know that life," said Wesley Davis, founder of the Wendale Davis Foundation. "[We] provide counseling and tools to help guys like this."
The Mothers Against Gang Violence share that they have raised $1,000 for Dean's family and want the community to know they are not alone in this journey of change.
"In our own backyards we have a problem and that’s black on black crime and we need to nip that in the bud as well," said Xenia King, founder of Mothers Against Gang Violence.
