COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -- Family and friends organized a vigil for one of the victims of a deadly shooting last week in Naples. Xavier Sierra was one of two people found in a wooded area behind Naples Commons, near the Gordon River last week.
Tuesday night, Xavier's loved ones gave the community a chance to share their love for the teen.
Many were shocked over the death of a young man killed only weeks after graduating high school. "It had to be him being at the wrong place, wrong time. He was the nicest, most peaceful calm guy ever," said Alex Roberts.
His loved ones fought back the tears as they shared their memories.
"So tragic that his life got taken from him so early. He was only 18. He just graduated," said Anna Druruy-Palermo. "I saw him graduate that's just so... (breaks down)"
Alex Roberts saw Xavier on the last day he was alive. "He was a great person in life who was going places, and it's so unbelievable something like this could happen to someone like that."
For those who knew Xavier, his smile burned brighter than the candles Tuesday tonight. "He was extremely charismatic, had the type of smile that would pull you in and make you want to talk to him," said Roberts.
The vigil was filled with crying, hugging, and occasional laughter. But also a rallying cry for action. "He deserves justice, his family deserves justice. I know he is in a better place now," said Druruy-Palermo.
Naples Police have not determined what exactly led to the shooting deaths of the two men, but believe it may have been the result of an argument.
Xavier's family and friends will lay him to rest on Thursday evening, where they will get another chance to celebrate his life.
