Dwyane Wade's Family Anguished After Cousin's Murder: 'A Life That's Gone Too Soon'
There was raw emotion as the slain cousin of NBA superstar Dwyane Wade was honored by her grieving family at a vigil Sunday.
Read: NBA Star Dwyane Wade's Cousin Shot Dead By Stray Bullet, Trump Assailed For His Response
Nykea Aldridge was killed in the crossfire as she walked with a baby stroller Friday during a shootout in Chicago. Police say she was an innocent bystander and not the intended target of the shooting.
Wade's mother, Jolinda, who is a pastor, sent a message to the two suspects.
She said Sunday at a vigil for Aldridge: “We forgive you. In the name of Jesus, we forgive you.”
Aldridge's mother, Diann, also spoke at the vigil, saying: “Her life is gone. And she can’t come back. This is my baby girl, just a life that’s gone too soon. She was taken away from us.”
Mourners released purple balloons - representing Aldridge's favorite color.
On Sunday, two brothers were arrested in connection to her death.
Darwin Sorrells Jr., 26, and Derren Sorrells, 22, were both charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson spoke at a press conference following the arrest, lamenting the gun violence that has plagued the city.
“Chicago has recovered a gun for every hour of 2016," he said.
Read: 5-Month-Old Girl is Killed in Drive-By Shooting, LeBron James Shares His Outrage
Just the day before the killing, the Chicago Bulls star and his mother took part in an ESPN town hall about gun violence. Wade famously spoke out against gun violence and controversial police shootings with fellow NBA stars LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul at the ESPYs in June.
This is not the first time Wade’s family have been the victim of gun violence. In 2012, the 3-time NBA champion’s nephew was shot twice in the leg but recovered.
