TAVARES, Fla.—Hundreds of people flooded downtown Tavares Saturday night to join Xavier Williams’ family to celebrate his life at a candlelight vigil held in his honor.
Xavier died March 21 after fighting for his life for nearly a month before succumbing to injuries police say his mother and her boyfriend inflicted on him.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Joshua Douglas opened the vigil and shared a few stories about Xavier and the boy he was. A natural talent for understanding electronics, Douglas told attendees about a broken iPad that stumped both Apple and Verizon, but Xavier saved the day and fixed it, along with a television no one could figure out either.
Douglas said Xavier was his “brother’s keeper,” and his “heart was beyond his years.” Xavier had a deep love for God, taking his bible with him different places and creating a bible study group through text messaging.
Tears streamed from the faces of attendees who held burning candles and lit cell phones as local resident Brian Hetrick led the crowd in a rendition of Amazing Grace.
Xavier’s aunt, Cameil Williams, choking back tears, spoke on behalf of the family and thanked everyone involved in the case, “Thank you. There are so many people who have supported our family during this time.”
She thanked medical providers and the Department of Children and Families; and expressed the family’s gratitude for the support and comfort they received from Tavares Police Department and the State Attorney’s Office for words of encouragement and ensuring Xavier gets justice. She thanked the community for their support and for “grieving with us.” As Cameil made her way back to her seat, Xavier’s dad, Keniel, jumped from his seat and embraced his sister in a moment that was heartbreakingly beautiful.
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