De'Quan Walker-Smith was murdered March 19, 2012 north of Manual High School in Denver by someone who drove past him in a green Honda and then drove away. Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks is holding a peace vigil on March 20, 2012. (The Denver Post | unknown)
Related

As authorities today named the 18-year-old shot to death near Manual High School Monday afternoon, the city councilman for the district, Albus Brooks, and gang-prevention groups called for a "peace vigil" in the neighborhood this evening.

"What we're trying to do is prevent any further violence or retaliation for this senseless act," said Johnnie Williams, who works with youth through the Gang, Reduction, Initiative of Denver.

Police are still looking for the killer of De'Quan Walker-Smith, who died from a single gunshot wound at about 3 p.m. in front of Fuller Park, immediately north of the school.

"It is critical for us as a community to rally, and take a stand for peace in our neighborhoods," Brooks stated this afternoon in announcing the 6 p.m. vigil at Fuller Park at 28th Avenue and Franklin Street.

He added, "The North Eastside community has been the scene of senseless violence throughout the years. We are mobilizing the youth and their families in an effort to bring about a positive change by chipping away at the apathy that has taken hold in our community."

Most Manual High School students had left the campus by the shooting occured, but other schools in the area were put on lockdown after what police characterized as a drive-by shooting.

A neighbor to the park saw people scatter after hearing the gunshots.

According to his Facebook page, Smith obtained his GED from Summit Academy High School in southwest Denver last year, after attending North High School in 2010. He went by the nickame "Cinister."

His brother Quinzell Smith stated on Facebook there would be a candlelight vigil in De'Quan Walker-Smith's memory at Fuller Park Saturday at 6 p.m.

Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174 or jbunch@denverpost.com