Candlelight Vigil for Saunders

The Gulfport community is continuing to shed tears over the recent loss of 21-year-old Stanton Saunders.
Dozens displayed their love for Saunders during a candlelight vigil near the Ken Combs Pier in Gulfport. Phrases like “rest in peace” and “you’ll be missed” covered balloons and t-shirts in the crowd.
Many in the crowd grew emotional as close friends of the victim sang songs of hope and prayed over the victim’s family.
Saunders’ mother, Vanessa Smith, reminisces over her last moments with her son. “He was at home, talking and all. We had good communication. We had no problem. I went to bed and then I didn’t see him anymore that night. I went to bed, but prior to me going to bed, he was up, happy and jolly and everything. He didn’t seem to have any problem at the time.”
Saunders was a father of two. His two-year-old son, King, lit a candle and released balloons in his honor. Saunders’ girlfriend is set to deliver their baby girl in October.