WAPAKONETA, OH (WLIO) - Friends, family, and community members came together to support each other after the passing of a Wapakoneta teen.

A candlelight vigil held in downtown Lima Thursday night in remembrance of the victims of domestic violence. Candles were lit in front of cut outs, representing victims of domestic violence who lost their lives and their stories were read aloud. The event, now in its’ 27th year, is sponsored by the Crossroads Crisis Center.

The Crossroads Crisis Center holding a kick-off event at the Lima Public Library Monday evening, with Mayor Sharetta Smith reading a proclamation declaring it awareness month. Participants then took a walk in remembrance of those who have died from domestic violence. The walk wrapped up at Trinity Park downtown.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Crossroads Crisis Center has been busy planning events to advocate a stop to domestic violence. On Monday at the Allen County Family and Children First Council meeting, officials from Crossroads shared what events they have planned.

Families of deceased victims are invited to light a candle for their lost loved ones, and they honor every domestic violence death in Allen County dating back to 1990.

The group held candles, balloons, and pictures of Latson. They also played his music in the background. People spoke highly of him with memories they shared together. Latson's father was also in the car Sunday night and was sent to the hospital. He's now in recovery and appeared at the vigil via video.

A large crowd gathered in the square of downtown Lima to remember the life of Ma'laya Dewitt. Pictures of the little girl's smiling face lined the table as friends and family took a moment to look back on the memories. A portion of the crowd held out "Justice for Ma'laya" signs. They want to make sure that the charges are followed through within court with the two people involved with her death.

We follow up on Lima's first homicide of the year where family and friends of the man killed took time to honor him with a candlelight vigil. Danielle Jackson was found in the Pappy's Lounge parking lot around 2:45 Monday morning by police, but he later died at a hospital. His loved ones and other community members, including the Lima Police Department and clergy, were there to show support Friday evening. His family says he was a loving person who didn't deserve to die in this manner. Everyone at the vigil is hoping justice will be served. Lima police believe someone knows who is responsible for Jackson's death and they're asking that if you do to consider what you would want if this happened to your family.

The Perry community mourns the loss of former principal, Nicholas Weingart. As many of them grieve, they took the time to come together to pray for the community and his family on Tuesday evening. The prayer vigil was made up of Perry faculty, staff, the Weingart-Schooler family, and others from the community. Many learned about the loss early this week, so they took the time to remember him. Some say he impacted more than just students, but every member of the family.