Vigil held for 8-year-old boy found dead in Harris Co. apartment
HOUSTON - "For it to be in our own backyard, I couldn’t sleep, still can’t," said Erlinda Longoria, who attended Saturday’s vigil for 8-year-old Kendrick Lee.
Residents who live near City Park 2 at West Oaks Apartment complex are still reeling even though it’s been almost a week since the horrific situation came to light.
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Police say 31-year-old Brian Coulter beat and killed Lee around Thanksgiving of last year.
"Very sweet little boy, nothing but smiles. He wasn’t a hard kid to get along with. If you asked him to do something he did it," said Hedy Carter, a close friend of Gloria Williams and her mother.
Police say Gloria Williams left her other three sons, ages 15, 10 and 7, to fend for themselves while their baby brother's body rotted.
Last Sunday, the older boy called 911.
"His brothers wouldn’t let him out of their sight," Carter said. "Those four were like glue together always."
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On Saturday, a vigil was held to remember Kendrick Lee.
"This week has just been horrific, heart-wrenching, devastating. We are just trying day by day to get through this ordeal," said Carter.
On Monday, one day after the boys were found, Carter says she went to the apartment complex looking for Williams and her boyfriend,
"I promise you I did I will not lie I came looking for them saying as stupid and ignorant as they were hell they might have come back over here," Carter said.
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She says now it’s clear why Gloria Williams was avoiding her, and it’s prayer that’s getting her through this unbelievable ordeal.
"I even pray for Gloria and the guy, I have to because that’s what the Lord is telling me to do, that’s my spirit," said Carter. "But whatever they got coming to them, that’s on them."