A couple hundred people gathered at a vigil to remember two young girls who were shot and killed by their half brother.
Family, friends, pastors and teachers came together Monday night at Hartman Park to honor the lives of 5-year-old Samaii and 8-year-old Sam'marie Daniel.
The group started the candlelight vigil in song and was followed by prayers and statements from local and state leaders.
The sisters were shot and killed as they were playing outside their home on Jenkins Street on Friday.
They were described as bubbly and full of personality, and had attended St. Pius X Classical Academy & Catholic Church on Tucker Road.
"They were kids that you would never forget, I will never forget them. Those were my babies," Sharon Battle, the grandmother, told NewsChannel 5.
"It's hard that she's gone but I know she's in a better place with God. She was a good friend and made people laugh in her own way," said 9-year-old Marianny Duronslet, Sam'marie's classmate.
Officials with the Metro Nashville Police Department said their half brother 24-year-old Queshan Brooks is the shooter.
An affidavit stated he had an argument with the girls' mother before shooting her as well. While the vigil took place, their mother underwent surgery and was expected to survive.
"I don't forgive him for what he did because he took away my most precious babies. I don't care if he had an argument with my daughter and I don't care what went on, he shouldn't have taken it out on the babies, these were innocent babies who couldn't do anything," added Battle.
Paid Brooks continued his rampage, shooting and killing 70-year-old Robert Payne during a carjacking on 10th Avenue North.
Officers found the stolen car abandoned about 30 minutes later on Interstate 40. They tracked Brooks' footprints through the snow and arrested him.
The vigil wrapped up with a balloon release.
A funeral has been set for Saturday at Greater St John Missionary Baptist Church. A time has not yet been set.
