If Sidea Lashae Griffin were still alive she’d be preparing for her high school graduation.
The 18-year-old was ready to graduate from Kempsville High School in May and was planning to apply to nursing school, her friend, 17-year-old Emily Levy, said.
Instead, Griffin was shot and killed in Virginia Beach on Saturday night. Police have charged a juvenile with second-degree murder in connection with her death.
“Nobody expected it,” Levy said. “It can’t be real.”
More than 100 people came together at Kempsville High School Monday night to mourn Griffin’s death at a candlelight vigil. Much of the vigil was broadcast live on Facebook and Snapchat.
Among those were Griffin’s grandmother, Patty McPherson, who addressed the crowd in the school parking lot before it moved to a campus gazebo for the vigil.
“Seeing everyone out here — it heals my soul,” McPherson said. “Because this is nothing but love. This is pure love. I know my baby was loved. ”
Griffin’s brother, Isiah McCoy, also spoke publicly about her death, telling the crowd that he felt like he lost his best friend.
“I told myself I wouldn’t cry,” McCoy said. “We had so much planned for after graduation. I’m going to walk across that stage for Dea.”
Many who spoke about Griffin mentioned her “beautiful soul” and warm smile, including 18-year-old Kyra Brown who met Griffin in middle school and worked with her at Hardee’s.
Brown said she will miss the “good morning texts” Griffin sent her daily.
“She was an outgoing person with a good heart,” Brown said. “She had a beautiful heart. She was really motivational.”
Kiana Mikell, 18, found out about Griffin’s death hours after the shooting through her cousin. Mikell called Griffin her best friend and was one of three Kempsville High School students who planned Monday’s vigil.
“We hope to spread the idea that we have to stop the hatred between everyone,” Mikell said. “We have to spread the love and spread the goodness.”
Mayfield can be reached at adrienne.m@wydaily.com.
