TAVARES, Fla. – At Wooton Park, dozens gathered in blue attire, holding lit candles, and offering prayers during a candlelight vigil in Tavares to show support for Xavier Williams’ family.
Williams, the 10-year-old boy who was found to have suffered from torture and abuse at a residence in Tavares last month, passed away from his injuries several weeks after being brought to the hospital by his mother, Kimberley Mills, and Andre Walker.
“It’s not just a black person thing, brown person thing or whatever. Everybody is here together,” said Emma Parker, a resident of Mount Dora.
His tragic death has deeply affected the community.
“I know we were shaken coming here,” shared Cameil Williams, Xavier Williams’ aunt. “Thanks to all the support and the outpouring of love. I can speak for my brother as well as the entire family. We feel better now than we felt at the house.”
Several local businesses around the city, like Ironworks Steak and Cocktails, are selling special blue menu items on Saturday, donating 100% of those proceeds to the boy’s family.
“No one should ever go through what Xavier went through,” Yancey Torres, the bar manager at Ironworks, said. “It just raises awareness of families that go through some of these situations and hopefully puts an end to it honestly.”
Cameil Williams also mentioned that the support from Tavares Police, AdventHealth, and the community is helping her family get through this tough time.
“They made us feel like it wasn’t just a case. It felt like it was very personal,” she said.
“Just know that your son will always be in my heart and may he rest in peace,” Doloris Gilmer, a resident of Eustis, added
Blue was Xavier Williams’ favorite color, and his aunt believes he would be overjoyed with all the support if he were here.
“In heaven, he’s up there probably dancing, clapping, having a blast,” she said.
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