Classmates, faculty remember 12-year-old allegedly shot to death by relative

Hundreds of loved ones gathered at Kipp Ways Academy on Monday night to honor a 12-year-old allegedly killed by her stepfather during a standoff over the weekend.

Demiya Griffin was a seventh-grade honor student and classmates, faculty and family were among the several people who honored her life at a candlelight vigil in northwest Atlanta.

"I just miss her and her memory is incredibly powerful," Kipp gifted coordinator Claudine Varela told Channel 2's Tony Thomas.

"I still feel her in my heart. I wish she was still here," Demiya's best friend Iya Graves said as she choked back tears.

"I called her phone today and left her a message. She may not hear me but I still want to talk to her. She was my best friend," Iya said.

Atlanta police said Demiya and her mother, Shatikey Griffin were shot to death Sunday moing. Griffin's husband of only a month--- 32-year-old Joseph Smith -- is charged with the murders.

"Today we are celebrating the one gone too soon," Kipp librarian Judy Cook said at the ceremony.

School administrators organized this vigil to help spur the healing for the middle school students and families. The school is on break this week, still the large crowd gathered, including the Griffins' extended family.

"I just pray they are in a better place and they are resting, said Demiya's aunt, Shelbe Griffin.

Students are on break this week, but grief counselors will be there for the next couple of days for students and faculty, Kipp officials said.