Candlelight Vigil Held in Fresno for Lawrence "Larry" King

A small crowd turned out on Fresno's "Peace Corner" at Blackstone and Shaw Wednesday night to honor the memory of Lawrence "Larry" King. The 15-year-old King was shot to death last week in Oxnard.

King was killed in a classroom at his middle school by a 14-year-old classmate. The classmate was charged with murder and is being held in juvenile detention. Prosecutors are planning to try him as an adult. A hate crime enhancement was added to the murder charge. Authorities say there was "bad blood" between King and his killer. King self-identified as gay and often dressed in fem.

Central Valley Gay Straight Alliance Network coordinator Robin McGeehee briefly spoke to the crowd. She said "we're gathered here tonight to honor the life and memory of Larry King." She also mentioned the shootings last week at Northern Illinois University.

Candles were then lit and two long moments of silence were observed.

The vigil was sponsored by the Gay Straight Alliance Network, Community Link and Fresno City College's Diversity Club. Members of the Central California Alliance and United Student Pride (the LGBT student group at CSU, Fresno) also were present.