LARGO, Md. (DC News Now) — Candles burned bright in a Staples parking lot in Largo on Saturday night, a tribute to a life whose light burned out way too soon.
“We gotta show more love than hate,” said Rico Scott, recalling his cousin, Cornelius McDonald, better known to those as “Neal.”
McDonald, 33, died on Nov. 30 after Terrelle Bailey, 35, shot him outside of Jasper’s Restaurant, according to Prince George’s County police. Detectives said McDonald and Bailey had gotten into an argument before the shooting and did not know each other.
McDonald’s family said he had tried to break up a fight between Bailey and another man.
“We gotta stop all the senseless violence,” Scott said. “It has to stop; I don’t want to do any more of these in 2025.”
McDonald helped start Stay Solid, a nonprofit organization that advocates against gun violence.
“He loved his community. He loved his family. He loved his friends,” said Maria Butler, McDonald’s mother.
She’s grieving McDonald’s death five years after gun violence took the life of another son, Devin.
“My strength comes from you guys,” Butler told the crowd, who gathered for the candlelight vigil. “From all of the wonderful things, to know that my son touched each and every one of you in his own way, It’s very strengthening for me. So this is where I get my strength from.”
As McDonald’s family prepares for another funeral, a plea from his cousin to stop the gun violence.
“Do not make him (McDonald) a liar for what he believed in,” Scott said.
McDonald’s funeral will be held on Dec. 17 at Landover’s Jericho City of Praise Family Ministries.
Bailey remains held without bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 2.
