Jaylen Griffin remembered at vigil, birthday celebration
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - On what would have been Jaylen's Griffin 16th birthday, friends, family and loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil at Buffalo's Central Terminal.
Everyone wishes Jaylen had the chance to celebrate his birthday like a normal teenager. Instead, his family and the community are spreading messages seeking justice.
It was a birthday celebration no family ever wants to go through -- with candles, signs and balloons, the community that knew Jaylen Griffin the best wishing him a happy birthday on what would've been his 16th birthday.
The celebration was held at the rotary outside the terminal -- a place Jaylen came to often. Jaylen's family feeling a profound sense of love and support from the community.
"I'm feeling very grateful that everyone has came out to show their support for Jaylen that's how I'm feeling right now, my heart is overjoyed he was loved," said Shirley Banks, Jaylen's grandmother.
For Jaylen's father Brian, processing the discovery of Jaylen's body has been tough after nearly four years of searching for his son.
"I was looking for confirmation and closure I finally got it, I'd rather know than not know its been a long journey I wouldn't wish this upon anyone," Brian Griffin said.
He wants the person or people responsible punished for what they did.
"Justice, who killed Jaylen Griffin? I want to find out and bring him to justice," Brian said.
Finding Jaylen's killer is a mission GYC Ministries has been on -- following up on potential leads locally and out-of-state. The faith-based organization vows to never give up, while also lifting up Jaylen's father through prayer.
"Who killed Jaylen Griffin, that's our part and to support Brian Griffin and the Griffin family because he's the father, he's the next of kin and he's a man who's going through a lot right now and we need to put our arms around him," said Tim Newkirk of GYC Ministries.
Eileen Jackson, is a Buffalo resident. She's focused on Griffin family grieving.
"What I hope is healing, healing it's going to be a long process I think the process starts now," she said.
Also in the hearts and minds of people at Monday's vigil are Jaylen's mother and brother who have both passed away. There is still a $7,500 reward for any information leading to an arrest in the death of Jaylen.
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Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here.