Hundreds attend vigil for Railroad Park shooting victim

Nearly 300 people attended a vigil Wednesday night after the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old at Railroad Park last weekend.

Jarmaine Walton, 15, was out at the park Sunday, March 17 when he was shot. He died of his injuries the following day.

Community members, anti-violence groups and family members of Walton attended the vigil. Walton's family and friends made emotional pleas for witnesses to come forward in the case.

"We're really calling on the kids who were here, if you saw something...call police," Patricia Pickett, Walton's aunt, said. "The police have been working around the clock to solve this. No child deserves to be shot in the head."

One of Walton's friends said that he was "done with" all of the violence he's seen in the community. Walton's death has been a shocking call to action, not just for him, but many in the community.

Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper said Tuesday that he is increasing security in the area. In addition, Councilman Steven Hoyt is calling for regular police checkpoints around the park and other areas of Birmingham in hopes of confiscating illegal weapons.

Another vigil is planned at Railroad Park Saturday, March 23, which is the same day as Walton's funeral.

The family has set up an account to help pay funeral expenses for Walton. If you would like to donate to the fund, call any Regions Bank and ask to make a donation to Jarmaine Walton's fund.

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