Friends & Family Say Goodbye To Boy Killed In Nail Salon Shooting
FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – It was a night filled with tears and hugs amid unbearable pain. As the community gathered at the Northwest Baptist Church to see Aaron Vu for the last time, there were the expected cries of why. Why was this 10-year old boy gunned down a little more than a week ago?
"We've got to get the sanctity of human life back," said Pastor Davis Chase.
Aaron's mother appeared inconsolable, sobbing throughout the service.
Aaron's father was released from the hospital for a few hours so he could see the unimaginable sight of his boy lying in a coffin surrounded by his favorite toys.
He spoke briefly once again thanking people for their support
Sound/Aaron father: "Again let me thank the community," said Aaron's father Hai Nam Vu.
Aaron's youth pastor, David Chase was also overcome with tears.
"Aaron touched my heart as he did yours," said Chase.
People from the community who didn't know Aaron or his family came out to mourn.
"This happens so often to us that we just know what that pain feels like," said Lawrence Sconiers.
Services like Aaron's reveal one of Miami's sad truths. We've gotten very good at saying goodbye to children killed by gun violence.
The names of the dead children stay with us: Rickia Isaac, Sherdavia Jenkins, Tequila Forshee and now Aaron Vu.
In the most powerful moment of the night Aaron's casket was closed for the last time. His father could only stare at the ground while Aaron's mother held her head in her hands.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 2nd at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church, 5601 South Flamingo Road in Southwest Ranches, Florida.
Hundreds are expected to attend as Aaron is finally laid to rest.
While family and friends say goodbye, the investigation continues.
Miami-Dade Police have arrested Anthawn Ragan, Jr. in connection with the deadly armed robbery on November 22nd in which Aaron was killed and his father, Hai Nam Vu, was injured.
Ragan faces several charges including first degree murder with a firearm and armed robbery with a firearm.
Ragan was arrested at a sister's home along NW 53 St. in Miami.
According to the arrest form, Ragan tried to hide under the covers in a back bedroom.
When he was taken into custody, police said he was violent, prompting an additional charge of battery on a law enforcement officer.
Security video shows the two men running out of the nail salon, but not before one last shot was fired.
Sources tell CBS4 it was that final bullet that killed Aaron Vu.
A source told CBS4's Jim Defede, Ragan has been arrested before for armed robbery, but the state dropped the charges.
