Family members, friends, and others mourned the death of 8-year-old Navin Jones Tuesday evening.
Navin was pronounced dead on March 29 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center after he was found unresponsive in the house at 1717 N. Gale Ave. in Peoria.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood calls Navin's one of the worst abuse cases he has seen. Navin weighed less than 40 pounds at the time of his death.
Several dozen people attended the vigil organized by one of Navin's cousins at the house on Gale.
That included Melissa Logan, a relative of Navin's cousins.
"I haven't seen him in a very long time. However, he was very happy when he was little. He loved to play, and he was a very sweet little boy," Logan said.
The front lawn of the home was strewn with stuffed animals, signs, candles spelling out his name - and photos of a smiling Navin.
It's that Navin which Logan said she wants people to remember.
"I want them to remember him as a happy baby. Someone that didn't understand what was happening, but loved unconditionally," she said.
Navin's parents are charged with his murder. They're due back in Peoria County circuit court for arraignment on April 28.
Logan said it's been a very difficult time, but it is still important to show Navin love and support.
"Just hug your babies tight and hold them longer," said Logan.
