TAMPA, Fla. — Friends and family met at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Sunday evening to remember a teen who lost his life to senseless violence. Last weekend, 16-year-old Peter "PJ" Hyman was shot outside Citrus Park Town Center mall.
Everyone who spoke at the vigil said Peter “PJ” Hyman had so much promise. They said his life may have been cut short, but his memory will continue to live on.
One by one, family and friends shared what PJ meant to them.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said a fight broke out between two group of boys outside Citrus Park Town Center mall last Saturday. That's when Hyman was shot. He died a short time later at the hospital.
PJ's pastor Bryant Fayson with Greater Mount Carmel Church told mourners to never forget.
“We shouldn't get over it we should always remember it. Who he was. Who his legacy is. He was one of the greatest people I know, he was my hero,” Fayson said.
Loved ones said they're taking care of PJ’s family. Pj's mother Bianca Cooper said this support means the world to her.
“We've just all been keeping in contact. We've been having calls lifting people up and lifting our spirits up and just trying to stay positive especially after they captured the person. It did you know make things feel a little bit easier but there's still that hurt and that pain and we're still waiting on justice to be served,” Cooper said.
On top of hurt and pain, Cooper said she was angry.
“I will never get to have him kiss me on my cheek and say ma I love you, but you will forever get to hear you son's voice,” Cooper said.
She wants to share a bigger message regarding gun violence.
“We have to do something with these guns this horrible I've never felt this pain before,” Cooper said.
Loved ones said they now have to bury PJ in the suit he was supposed to wear for his high school homecoming. Family said his funeral is next Saturday.