Lights have been lifted for a younger life tragically minimize quick.
On Saturday night, mates, household and classmates got here collectively to rejoice the lifetime of Nicholas Mejia precisely one week after the 16-year-old’s demise.
“Nick was only a very humorous, lighthearted individual, nearly to the purpose the place you needed to inform him, ‘Come on, let’s be severe’ about some issues, kind of issues,” mentioned his older sister, Jasmine Mercer. “So he simply actually loved laughing, making different individuals chuckle and different individuals really feel good.”
Mercer mentioned their household has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of help from the Loudoun County neighborhood.
A number of of the teenager’s mates fought tears as they shared recollections, joined by members of the clergy and elected leaders.
The memorial was organized in the identical parking zone the place Mejia died. Investigators mentioned he was within the passenger seat as one other teen drove final Saturday night time when he got here underneath the gun at a close-by residence complicated.
Prosecutors mentioned the capturing was the results of a drug deal gone dangerous, in accordance with courtroom paperwork.
Final Sunday, 19-year-old Fadlalla Mohamed was arrested and charged with the homicide.
Whereas he waits to study his destiny, Mejia’s grieving family and friends are specializing in the positives.
His sister mentioned he liked taking part in basketball and video video games and described him as a faithful son, brother, uncle and pal.
“He simply actually liked his mates and his household. He actually liked his nephew, who’s my son, and he actually loved residing life to the fullest…” Mercer mentioned. “I need Nicholas to know, in fact, that I like him and that we’ll all the time have his again it doesn’t matter what.”
Mejia’s household mentioned they’re now making an attempt to plan his funeral. They’ve organized a web based fundraiser to assist with the bills.
