The sun came out just in time for an event remembering a recent victim of Rochester street violence. The family of Ya-Sin Yawn held a prayer vigil near the spot where he was gunned down on Thurston Road.

"Ya-Sin was just a great father, a great friend, a great man,” said friend Lashara Evans. “He was always smiling, always wanting to give you a hug."

Family and friends say Yawn had an infectious smile, one that could light up a room. Family came together on Thurston Road to remember the brother, father, cousin and son.

"We need to learn and re-learn that every life is important,” said friend Jose Dacosta. “Every life is important to each one of us and we need to send the message to the people who have a tendency for these kind of acts that there is redemption for them as well."

Yawn was shot Saturday, May 29, while he was sitting in his car. He died Thursday at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Family says the violence needs to stop.

“Ya-Sin was the kindest, loving individual you could be around,” said his uncle Stephen Yawn. “He wrote music, he was an actor, he could touch the souls of people by his smile. He was a great guy and on a path to further greatness."

Detectives are investigating this case as a homicide and are still looking for suspects. If you have any information, you are asked to call Rochester Police.