NORFOLK, Va. — It was a powerful show of support for the 8-year-old boy shot last week in Virginia Beach. Dozens of people came together on Monday night for a vigil outside of the hospital where Landyn Davis is still fighting for his life.
Led by a local pastor and his family, the prayer circle for Landyn Davis was a moment filled with love, prayer, and hope.
Landyn was shot last Tuesday when a stray bullet came through his home and hit him in the back of the head. Doctors have put Landyn in a medically induced coma.
Since the shooting, the community has rallied around the family using #LandynStrong to show support in his recovery.
Nicholas Ketron is a friend of the family who attended Monday's vigil. He called Landyn a kind soul.
"He loves Sonic, playing video games. He's just the kindhearted sweet kid, you know? Never hurt anybody in life," Ketron said.
Jessica Heughins said that Landyn's family is "her family" and the outpouring of love is powerful.
"I don't know half of the people that came out here tonight. So they must have seen it or heard it from somewhere and just wanted to come out and show love. And I think that's amazing," Heughins said.
Heughins, like the others in the crowd, are thankful that little Landyn is still fighting.
"I thank God his last day was not last Tuesday, because he is still here with us, every day," Heughins said.
The young boy's parents said Landyn is on a long road to recovery but a big step was made Tuesday when he opened his eyes and looked at his dad, Steven.
"It was awesome. I'm like, 'What's going on? You looking at me? What's going on?'" Steven said. "Yeah, man. He's like, blinking and he's like, still staring at me. And they, you know... he went back to sleep and I'm like, 'You had this little quick moment.' You know, to tell me that he's still here. He's still fighting."