Dozens arrived at St. Joseph's Church
in Toms River, New Jersey to pay their respects for 6-year-old Brandon
Holt, who died Tuesday from a gun shot wound according to the Associated Press.
The story made national headlines with the revelation that Holt was accidentally shot by his 4-year-old friend who found a rifle in his home.
Though many in the community are still wondering how such a tragedy could unfold, the questions gave way to a somber memorial for Brandon Saturday afternoon.
Family and friends arrived to the church with green ribbons, Brandon's favorite color, and teddy bears.
Brandon's father, Ron, announced that he and his wife chose to donate his organs. They are proud to know the gesture could save another child's life.
Laura Decker, Brandon's aunt, spoke fondly of the young boy to WNBC, saying 'He loved to swim, he loved his family, he loved his cousins, he idolized his older brother.'
The gun that killed Brandon, a .22-caliber rifle, was in the home of the 4-year-old boy who found it and fired it in his backyard.
No charges have been filed but according to the Atlantic County prosecutor's office the case is still under investigation.
The case was moved over to Atlantic County because the parents of the 4-year-old boy have relatives that work with prosecutors in Ocean County, the jurisdiction for Toms River.
The incident has sparked the emotions of the neighbors who live so close to where the shooting occurred.
Debi Coto, who lives just a few homes away from the scene, said 'I'm sad for the children involved and their families, but I'm angry with whoever owns that gun and allowed a little child to get hold of it.'
With the memory of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut gun control has become a serious discussion around the nation.
Even the popular television
show 'Glee' had an episode Thursday in which a gun was brought into a
high school and triggered fears of a school shooting.
Senators Pat Toomey and Joe Manchin introduced a bipartisan measure to the Senate earlier this week though gun control advocates have pointed out that its filled with so many loopholes it will hardly prove effective.
Francine Wheeler, who lost her 6-year-old son Ben during the shooting at Newtown, spoke in place of President Obama during his weekly radio address earlier this morning to advocate for stricter gun control laws.
View more videos at: http://nbcnewyork.com.
The story made national headlines with the revelation that Holt was accidentally shot by his 4-year-old friend who found a rifle in his home.
Though many in the community are still wondering how such a tragedy could unfold, the questions gave way to a somber memorial for Brandon Saturday afternoon.
Pallbearers carry the casket of Brandon Holt,
who died after being shot by a young friend, outside of St. Joseph's
Church in Toms River, New Jersey
Family and friends comfort Christine Holt,
second from right, who leaves the memorial of her son Brandon. Many of
those paying tribute wore the color green, the six-year-old's favorite
color.
Brandon's father, Ron, announced that he and his wife chose to donate his organs. They are proud to know the gesture could save another child's life.
Laura Decker, Brandon's aunt, spoke fondly of the young boy to WNBC, saying 'He loved to swim, he loved his family, he loved his cousins, he idolized his older brother.'
The gun that killed Brandon, a .22-caliber rifle, was in the home of the 4-year-old boy who found it and fired it in his backyard.
No charges have been filed but according to the Atlantic County prosecutor's office the case is still under investigation.
The case was moved over to Atlantic County because the parents of the 4-year-old boy have relatives that work with prosecutors in Ocean County, the jurisdiction for Toms River.
Those who came to the memorial wore pins
celebrating Brendan with green ribbons (his favorite color) and brought
toys like teddy bears.
Family and friends also held a candlelight vigil in the Holt's neighborhood on Friday evening
Debi Coto, who lives just a few homes away from the scene, said 'I'm sad for the children involved and their families, but I'm angry with whoever owns that gun and allowed a little child to get hold of it.'
With the memory of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut gun control has become a serious discussion around the nation.
Brandon's aunt told the media that the young boy both 'loved to swim' and 'idolized his older brother.'
Senators Pat Toomey and Joe Manchin introduced a bipartisan measure to the Senate earlier this week though gun control advocates have pointed out that its filled with so many loopholes it will hardly prove effective.
Francine Wheeler, who lost her 6-year-old son Ben during the shooting at Newtown, spoke in place of President Obama during his weekly radio address earlier this morning to advocate for stricter gun control laws.