Vigil Held In New Jersey Hometown Of Slain 'Voice' Singer
EVESHAM TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) — A community gathered Monday night in Evesham Township, New Jersey to remember the life of singer Christina Grimmie, who was gunned down as she signed autographs after a concert in Orlando, Florida.
More than 500 people held candles and sobbed as they remembered Grimmie's talent and her spirit.
Early Saturday morning I got the news about Christina, and I was just shocked. I never cried like that in my life," said childhood friend and Cherokee High School classmate Pete Innaurato. "The community coming together is a testament to her character, and just her as a person."
Grimmie, 22, was a YouTube sensation who was widely known from her appearances on Season Six of "The Voice" two years ago.
Her brother Marcus, who tackled the man who shot her, recalled the moment.
"The tragedy that took place was a free meet-and-greet post show," he said. "And I missed the very first glimpse, but witnesses say she was -- arms open wide. So she had no idea."
Marcus told the crowd that his family was fortunate to have the support of celebrities, including Adam Levine and Selena Gomez -- and he recognized those killed in the Orlando nightclub massacre.
"These people didn't have that," he said. "And we're blessed to (have it). So I'm at a great peace right now."
Friends said Christina would want to be remembered not just as a promising singer, but a person of authentic faith.