Vigil held for man killed outside Lynn arts center on Easter

LYNN, Mass. — Lynn residents and friends of a 46-year-old man killed outside a Lynn arts center gathered Monday to honor his memory.

Leonardo Clement and a man referred to by members of the Zion Baptist Church as “Prince” were shot Sunday just hours after leaving Easter mass. Clement did not survive.

“This is not business as usual. People think we grow up in these communities and we get used to that. We never get used to that,” church member Gabrielle Pitcher said.

Members of the church held photos of Clement and Prince at a vigil where the shooting took place. The image was taken at church shortly before gunfire erupted.

“You wrongfully took a young man’s life that never hurt a fly, never,” Sharday Taylor said.

Friends say Clement was legally blind, but didn’t let his disability hold him back.

“He still saw people enough to see the love inside of them to be there for them and care for them,” Taylor said.

The surviving victim remains at Mass. General Hospital as police continue searching for the man who fired at least six shots in the busy area in broad daylight.

Investigators haven’t speculated on a motive.

Community leaders on Monday night stood in solidarity to speak out against the violence.

They said they did not want the shooting to take away the sense of security at LynnArts, Inc. The center is known by many as a safe haven for kids in the community.

PREVIOUS:

Cox Media Group