Becky MonDore, her eyes filled with tears, said she was “crushed” when she heard the news that 21-month-old Maddox Lawrence had been murdered.

So MonDore — who knows Morgan Lawrence, Maddox’s mother, from a high school youth group — decided to organize a candlelight vigil for Maddox.

More than 100 members of the Syracuse community gathered for that vigil Wednesday night at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, which was decorated with balloons for the event. The vigil, which lasted about 30 minutes, included a series of prayers and a singing of “Amazing Grace.”

Maddox’s father, Ryan Lawrence, was charged on Tuesday with second degree murder in the death of the child.

At the vigil, prayers were said for Maddox, Morgan, the Lawrence family and the law enforcement agencies that have been investigating the case. A moment of silence for Maddox lasted about two minutes.

Richard Ryfun, a pastor at Believers’ Chapel in Cicero, led the vigil.

“(The Lawrence family is) suffering very deeply,” Ryfun said as he addressed those at the vigil. “… But they have extended family here that is here for them.”

During the singing of “Amazing Grace,” which came toward the end of the vigil, a number of those in attendance began to cry and hug one another.

MonDore said she lost touch with Morgan Lawrence after high school but ran into her about a month ago. They hit it off right away, and Morgan showed MonDore pictures of “beautiful Maddox,” MonDore said.

“We were just rejoicing together,” MonDore said. “And then here we are a month later, with the sad news of this week.”

MonDore added that she can’t take away Morgan’s pain, but said the Syracuse community “can show her support.” MonDore said that was what the vigil was about.

“I just want to hug her,” she said. “… We just love Morgan. She’s a precious, precious person.”

Ryan and Maddox Lawrence disappeared Saturday night and an Amber Alert was issued on Sunday morning.

On Monday afternoon, police identified a man wearing a disguise in Baldwinsville to be Ryan. He was then taken into custody. Police found a body believed to be Maddox in the Onondaga Creekwalk on Tuesday.

Ryan pleaded not guilty to the second-degree murder charge on Wednesday, according to Syracuse.com.

Shortly after the conclusion of Wednesday night’s vigil, rain began to fall. MonDore said it wasn’t a coincidence.

“We have done what we came to do, and I believe God held back the rain,” she said. “We’re going to keep praying for Morgan and that won’t end. So bring the rain.”

Published on February 24, 2016 at 10:15 pm

Contact Michael: mdburk01@syr.edu