People arrived by the hundreds Tuesday night, streaming into the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Wilkes-Barre to pay their respects to 14-year-old Tyler Winstead.
The eighth grader played basketball at GAR High School and fellow players and the coach were among those at his viewing service.
"It's sad and I met with the family and it was tough talking with him and to see him lay there was sad. It's just tough," said Coach Paul Brown.
A white basketball was carried in at one point, signed by folks from the Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre, another spot where Winstead played ball.
Investigators said he was walking home from playing at the CYC the night he was shot and killed.
"It's sad that we all have to come out for this reason, though, but I'm glad to see the support for the family. They need it. They need the love and the help," said Andrew Kovalski of the CYC.
Luzerne County's District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis was also on hand, along with a county detective and assistant district attorney. They could not say much about the ongoing investigation into Tyler's death.
"Its just a terrible time and my heart goes out to the family and that's why I specifically wanted to come here to show my support and to let them know that we are doing everything possible in our office for Tyler and to find justice for Tyler," said Salavantis.
Folks who knew Tyler Winstead called his death is a tragedy.
"Yeah, he was a well-liked kid, man, and everybody liked him, and like I said, he was from a good family," said Lloyd Bryant of Wilkes-Barre.
Tyler Winstead's funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Hill Street.