But said Williams Sr., there is a lack of police patrol in the area as well as a lack of activities for young people.
"He was a good kid. He was just somebody trying to find his way in life," said Hester's uncle, Timothy Keith.
Neighbors and family members took turns speaking through a bullhorn.
His mother, Nakita, told the young people gathered around her "to keep an open relationship with your parents."
"We are trying to get through this. We are trying to be strong for him," she said.