At least 300 members of the Kennesaw State University community — including students, staff and President Pamela Whitten — gathered for a vigil Monday night to honor a slain freshman.
Not everyone knew Oluwafemi "Femi" Oyerinde, the 18-year-old shot Oct. 6 outside his apartment. But everyone that spoke agreed on one thing: The teen's senseless death was one that didn't have to happen.
"Love" and "appreciation" were the themes of the vigil, the organizer told the crowd. Love one another and appreciate the value of life, Michael Aniagboso said at the Legacy Gazebo.
“I have three brothers, so it could have happened to me or to anyone,” Bola Nsankembe, also a freshman, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The 19-year-old didn’t know Femi, but said his death is a reminder to remain vigilant and always check on her closest friends.
Aniagboso, 25, recently transferred to KSU after to moving from West Virginia to Georgia, where several relatives live. Aniagboso knows the Oyerinde family through his church, and he felt compelled to plan the on-campus vigil.
He was hopeful many would attend, but Aniagboso was shocked at the turnout. Some students missed class to attend, but wouldn’t be penalized, the Dean of Students told Aniagoboso.
“It encourages my spirit that so many people care,” he said.
RELATED: Arrest warrant issued for neighbor accused of killing KSU student
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On Oct. 6 shortly after 11:30 a.m., Oyerinde was killed outside his Stadium Village apartment shortly, according to Cobb County police. The off-campus complex is located near the KSU stadium and is geared to students.
Two other teens were also shot, according to police. They are not Kennesaw State students.
Oyerinde graduated in May from Archer High School in Lawrenceville. He planned to study mechanical engineering and later join the military, his family said.
Hours after his death, police issued an arrest warrant for a neighbor. Kashman Rael Thomas has been charged with murder, and two counts each of aggravated assault and aggravated battery, his arrest warrant states. Thomas is not yet in custody.
On Friday, more than 2,000 attended the funeral for Oyerinde, Aniagboso said.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve had to experience,” he said. “What can you say? There’s nothing we can say or do that will ease the pain for a mother who lost her only son.”
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Cobb police.
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