A circle of friends and family gathered in Lincoln Park in Palmetto on Sunday evening to remember 18-year old Diamond Shelman and her 8-month-old son Jeremiah.
The young mother and baby were found dead in their burned out apartment earlier last week.
The infant’s father, Larry Williams is accused of stabbing Shelman, setting fire to her apartment and leaving her and their baby to die. He’s facing two counts of murder and one count of arson in connection with their deaths.
Rosalba Velazquez is one of the people who attended the vigil. She says Shelman was her best friend and that she’s trying to cope with this unthinkable loss.
“I just go day-by-day," Velazquez said. "I think about her, but then I try to get myself motivated to do other things even though I still have her in my mind.”
Shelman was among many young single mothers being sheltered and ministered to by the SOLVE Maternity Homes.
Peggy Kerwin is the organization’s executive director. She also attended the vigil, looking to comfort others while leaving whatever happens in the case in God’s hands.
“I'm called here to love and love the young women that God sends into our program”, said Kerwin. “And to minister to them and help them grow and prepare for life as mothers and that's what we'll continue to do. And I have to trust that justice is left to others.”