Common Ministries Holds Vigil To Remember Employee Who Was Shot

NORTHSIDE (KDKA) -- Friends, family, and the community gathered to honor the life of a man that died protecting residents of a men's shelter.

Sheldon Stoudemire was honored Sunday in a vigil on the steps of the Northside Common Ministries on Brighton Road from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

RELATED: North Side Shelter Employee Fatally Shot

Stoudemire was killed last month when he stopped a man from entering the men's shelter at the ministry, protecting and assuring the men inside were not hurt.

Stoudemire was a man who conducted many street ministries, trying to convince young men to put down their guns.

"He always trusted God in everything he did," said Karol Stoudemire, Sheldon's wife. "The hardest part of this is he was behind closed doors when this happened, when you thought he was secured."

Police arrested 19-year-old Gerald Adams in connection to the shooting of Stoudemire.

A number of speakers offered prayers and peace Sunday and the need to continue Stoudemire's legacy of working to stop the violence.

"His life was committed to ending gun violence in the African American community," Jay Polizano of Northside Ministries said. "So we are more determined."

Another group determined to continue his legacy is The Mad Dads, who work to reach young people in the community.

"This is a tremendous punch in the middle of the gut," George Spencer of Mad Dads said. "Sheldon Stoudemire started our street patrol. He pretty much set the tone for what we'ere about on the streets."

They also held the vigil in remembrance of other victims of gun violence.