Community Comes Together to Honor 10-Year-Old Victim of Abuse in Tavares, Florida
TAVARES, Florida — A moving vigil was held on Saturday night at a local park to remember 10-year-old Xavier Williams, who tragically passed away following a prolonged hospital stay attributed to severe abuse. The gathering attracted nearly 500 participants, showcasing solidarity from family, friends, and community members.
Supportive Community Response
Attendees at the vigil donned blue, Xavier’s favorite color, and many held candles, creating a poignant atmosphere of remembrance. The police have reported that Xavier suffered grievous abuse and neglect at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend, who have since been arrested and charged with his murder.
Voices of the Community
Community members expressed their sorrow and concern during the vigil. Christopher Raines, one of the attendees, remarked, “It touches everybody’s heart. A 10-year-old lost his life to abuse at home, and that’s just one that we know about.” Similarly, Jessica Carmona, a mother herself, felt compelled to attend, stating, “Because I’m a mother, and I just felt like I needed to be here.”
A Unifying Event
The event featured therapy dogs and motorcycle clubs among the diverse individuals present, all coming together to denounce abuse and extend their support to Xavier’s grieving family. His aunt, Cameil Williams, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming turnout, saying, “Thank you for standing there and being with us in this time of need. They made us feel like it wasn’t just a case. It felt like it was personal.”
Familial Support and Future Vigil
Cameil Williams noted that the community’s support had a comforting effect, sharing, “We probably are going home feeling better than how we left the house.” In a further tribute to Xavier, the family announced plans for a similar vigil in Connecticut to continue honoring his memory and raise awareness about child abuse.
The gathering served not only as a remembrance for Xavier but as a vital reminder of the importance of community support and advocacy against child abuse.
