Friends and family hold vigil to remember 16-year-old shot and killed in Ashburn

Lights were lifted for a young life tragically cut short On Saturday evening friends family and classmates came together to celebrate the life of Nicholas Mejia exactly one week after the -year-old s death Nick was just a very funny lighthearted person almost to the point where you had to tell him Come on let s be serious about specific things type of things announced his older sister Jasmine Mercer So he just really enjoyed giggling making other people laugh and other people feel good Mercer declared their family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of advocacy from the Loudoun County population Several of the teen s friends fought tears as they shared memories joined by members of the clergy and elected leaders The memorial was organized in the same parking lot where Mejia died Investigators revealed he was in the rider seat as another teen drove last Saturday night when he came under the gun at a nearby apartment complex Prosecutors noted the shooting was the development of a drug deal gone bad according to court documents Last Sunday -year-old Fadlalla Mohamed was arrested and charged with the murder While he waits to learn his fate Mejia s grieving friends and family are focusing on the positives His sister explained he loved playing basketball and video games and described him as a devoted son brother uncle and friend He just really loved his friends and his family He really loved his nephew who s my son and he really enjoyed living life to the fullest Mercer reported I want Nicholas to know of discipline that I love him and that we will inevitably have his back no matter what Mejia s family announced they are now trying to plan his funeral They have organized an online charity fundraiser to help with the expenses