The city of Niagara falls, N.Y., came together on Thursday to honor the lives of Jayla Brown and Jalin Rios two young adults tragically killed in shootings over the July 4th holiday weekend.
The community’s outpouring of support was evident as family, friends, and neighbors gathered for a candlelight vigil at the intersection of Highland and Fairfield Avenue, where one of the shootings occurred. This gathering served as a poignant reminder of the bonds that unite the community in times of sorrow.
Organizer’s vision for unity and healing
The vigil was organized by Victor Johnson who reached out to the families immediately upon hearing the news. ‘With the family’s permission, I’m going to do a candlelight vigil for the families,’ Johnson stated. ‘I’m hoping that this will kind of bridge some type of gap in the community, bring the community back together.’
Jason Rios, Jalin’s father, expressed his gratitude for the support, saying, ‘I was happy it can get out that we love one another, and we come together as a community.’ The event was a testament to the strength and solidarity of the Niagara Falls community.
Families share their grief and hope
During the vigil, the families of Jayla and Jalin shared their emotions and hopes for the future. Carretha Brown, Jayla’s mother, released balloons in her daughter’s honor and expressed her desire for change. ‘I hope those balloons are soaring all over the place so that everybody can see that a change is going to come,’ she said. ‘People are just tired, and it’s time for change to come. No more violence. Stop the violence. Put the guns down.’
Celis Rios, Jalin’s mother, also shared her feelings, stating, ‘I felt the love. They showed me that they love me in my worst time.’ The support from the community and the Niagara Falls City School District was a source of comfort for the grieving families.
Remembering Jayla and Jalin
Jayla Brown, a 19-year-old mother of a 1-year-old son, Syaire, had recently graduated from Niagara Falls High School and started her own hairdressing business. Her promising future was cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew her.
Jalin Rios, 22, had also graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 2026. He had recently returned to the Niagara Falls City School District as a classroom associate at Harry F Abate Elementary School, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to his community.
The shootings occurred at large parties in the early hours of July 5, and both Jayla and Jalin succumbed to their injuries at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. The community’s response to this tragedy highlights the resilience and unity that define Niagara Falls.
