A vigil was held in Harlem to remember a 10-year-old boy whose life ended in violence last weekend.

After more than a dozen balloons were released in the air as part of a gesture to let 10-year-old Ayden Wolfe know that he is loved and missed, the little boy’s devastated father, Darnell Wolfe, summoned the strength to address the crowd while fighting off tears.

What You Need To Know

  • A was vigil held outside the apartment building where 10-year-old Ayden Wolfe lived with his mother and her boyfriend, who now faces murder charges in connection with his death

  • Darnell Wolfe, the victim’s biological father, thanked his supporters during this difficult time, saying no parent should have to bury their child

  • Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was battered child syndrome by homicide

“I’m torn up over this,” said Wolfe. “I’m trying to keep it together because it’s going to be a long process, and I have to deal with burying my child, which no one should have to do,” Wolfe said.

Community activists and local clergy members organized the candlelight vigil service. 

It was held outside the apartment building at the St. Nicholas Houses, where officers responding to a 911 call of possible abuse discovered the boy unconscious in his apartment Saturday afternoon.

While police initially said the boy’s body was found with severe trauma, from injuries both old and new, an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the cause of death was battered child syndrome by homicide.

Thirty-four-year old Ryan Cato, who lived with the boy and is the boyfriend of Wolfe’s mother, was arrested Sunday and is now facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder.

Darnell Wolfe said what he misses the most about his son is the joy he felt being around him.

“Just him,” Wolfe said. “Just having him. Being around him. Anyone can tell you, just to be around him, that was it. That’s all I can say at the moment.”

Wolfe also expressed gratitude to all the clergy members and domestic violence advocates who organized the vigil. They encouraged anyone who suspects domestic violence or child abuse to reach out to the authorities for help.

“We know there is a place for Ayden,” said Apostle Staci Ramos, a pastor at Garden of Gethsemane Ministry, Inc. “We know there’s a place for Ayden. We know that his life is not in vain.”

“Speak out against violence,” said Stephanie McGraw, the founder of the domestic violence awareness group, W.A.R.M., which stands for We All Really Matter. “This kid did not have to lose his life. A 10-year-old boy beaten by someone. That is unacceptable.”