Celebration of life held for Danville 3-year-old who was shot and killed

DANVILLE (WSLS 10) - A celebration of life was held for 3-year-old William Betts, III, known by family and friends as Tre.

Dozens of people gathered at the Cardinal Village housing community on Thursday offering prayers and words of encouragement to Tre's family.

Police say he was accidentally shot at 834 Edmonds Street at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, but have not said how he was shot.

Danville Mayor John Gilstrap says he wants the family to know the city is mourning with them.

"I wanted to lend support not only to our residents in the community but to residents in general and to the family," Gilstrap emphasized.

Gilstrap was one of several people who spoke to those at the celebration. During his speech, he struggled to hold back tears and even had to stop a couple of times.

Shakeva Frazier organized the celebration.

She said she grew up in the neighborhood and wanted to help her community get through the tragic situation.

"We cannot take away the pain, [we're] just trying to let the family know we're here to bear the pain with them," Frazier emphasized. "This is a community [neighborhood.]"

Police are continuing to investigate the shooting.