Vigil Held For Father Of 2 Stabbed To Death While Breaking Up Fight
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—The Forest Park community came together Saturday for a candlelight vigil in memory of a man stabbed to death earlier this week.
Monique Griego spoke with loved ones and has the latest on the investigation.
Family and friends say they wanted to honor his life while also keeping attention on the case.
The lights from of sea of candles illuminated the faces of a Forest Park community in deep mourning.
The dozens of people gathered on Belle Ave. and Garrison Blvd. were all there to honor the memory of 25-year-old Durrell Gaskins, a father of two killed in that very spot.
"Anybody he encountered, they loved him," said Jasmine Ward, victim's niece.
"I would have been disappointed if it was anything short of this," said Durant Gaskins, father.
Durant Gaskins was there Wednesday when his son heard a commotion, ran outside and tried to break up a fight with a large group of apparent Forest Park high students. Moments later, Durrell Gaskins was stabbed and died in his father's arms.
Loved ones aren't surprised he tried to help.
"This was a good guy. Nobody ever thought they'd be wearing him on a shirt, on Instagram saying rest in peace," said Carl Wilson, childhood friend.
Wilson is the godfather of Durrell Gaskins' two young sons.
"It's hurting both of them. It's hurting all of us. I can do the best I can as a godfather, but it's nothing compared to having a father," Wilson said.
A main message of the night's vigil was to remind people of the reality of street violence.
"It's terrible. It's a war zone out here. We have to do it one block out at a time, and if I can start on this block here," said Durant Gaskins.
While the group involved in the deadly fight is believed to be Forest Park students, so far no arrests have been made.
But even if justice does come, it won't erase the pain.
"It's not bringing him back," Ward said. "I'll be happy, but it's not going to make it any better for me."
Durant Gaskins told WJZ that police may have a few suspects in mind. He is hopeful an arrest will be made.
A second man was also stabbed in that fight. He was treated for minor injuries and then released.
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