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Candlelight vigil held for 9-year-old Marrero boy who died in accidental shooting

Evelyn McCall knows what this pain feels like. In 2012, she lost both of her sons. They were gunned down at the same time while in a car.

MARRERO, La. — Around 100 people gathered around the 2000 Block of Rue Racine Drive Friday night to honor 9-year-old Marquis Thomas Jr. 

The Marrero community brought balloons. Others held candles and signs. Marrero resident Evelyn McCall went to church with the boy. 

"Nice kid. Loving kid. He would hug on Pastor. He would hug on everybody in the church. He just was a loving child who showed love," McCall said.

Marquis lost his life Wednesday night. Investigators tell Eyewitness News he was in a bedroom at the home, playing with his cousin, 18-year-old Kamone Thomas's gun. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Thomas playfully tried disarming Marquis, but the gun went off, striking Marquis in the head. Marquis's mother Markia Thomas and her baby girl Kali spoke with Eyewitness News this week about both of them. 

Markia Thomas told Eyewitness News earlier this week that her son loved basketball and riding his hover board.  

RELATED: 9-year-old Marrero boy killed after playing with gun; Cousin arrested

"He was funny and he was smart. Full of life," Thomas said. 

Evelyn McCall knows what this pain feels like. In 2012, she lost both of her sons. They were gunned down at the same time while in a car.

"It never goes away. Everyday is going to be something different. Different thoughts. Different ways of thinking. What they did. How they used to do this...how you loved them. How you miss them. Pride. But, you know, we just have to push our way through it and continue to pray," McCall said. 

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