Vigil held for Twin Cities violence victims

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — More than 250 people died of violence in Minneapolis and St. Paul over the past five years.

Their friends and family filled New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis Saturday for a vigil.

WCCO-TV reports the church was filled with song and sorrow as attendees held lit candles to honor the victims.

One victim was 3-year-old Terrell Mayes Jr., who was hit by a stray bullet in his Minneapolis home on Dec. 26, 2011.

His mother, Marsha Mayes, is upset his killer is still walking free. She says a day doesn't go by that she doesn't remember her son.

There were also professionals to help others support those who grieve, including which questions to ask and how to suggest moving forward.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.