Family holds vigil for slain 2-year-old

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The family of 2-year-old Kye Abdul Rashid held a prayer vigil to honor him for the last time before laying him to rest.

Mothers of Murdered Children transformed the family’s driveway into an intimate setting to honor Kye Saturday night.

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Family members prayed, lit candles and released balloons in the child’s honor.

Kye was pronounced dead on Nov. 5 after his mother, Ayahna Barnett, and her live-in boyfriend, Marquis Graham, brought him to Caromont Regional Medical Center.

Since then, 25-year-old Graham turned himself in to police. He has been charged with first-degree murder in the child’s death.

Barnett wouldn’t go into details and police have not said how the boy died, but his family made it clear they would dedicate every moment to seek justice.

Kye’s mother described the 2-year-old as the joy and light of her life.

"That's going to be my baby forever," Barnett said. “Kye was full of life, full of energy, always happy.”

The family will say their final goodbyes Sunday when they lay Kye to rest.

Cox Media Group