Family of 2-year-old who was shot wants the violence to stop

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A 2-year-old remains in the hospital after being shot while watching TV in his home, and the community wants the violence to stop. Friends and family held a vigil for the child Friday, April 11th.

"My nephew is in the hospital, he's not conscious, he's doing the best that he can under the circumstances. We're praying for him, and the family would just like to say thank you for your prayers," said Rick Farmer, the boy's uncle.

Community activist Tracey Dent says it's time to participate in neighborhood watches and change the mindset about giving information to the police.

"You had seven shootings in one week and it's not even the weekend just now here, and we're afraid. What's going to happen? What's going to happen tonight? What's going to happen tomorrow?" wondered Dent.

The overwhelming message at the vigil was that the guns need to come down, and that it's time to stop sheltering those who commit these crimes.

"The community is dying because of the guns. The neighbors need to come out and let us know who did it and why they did it. Somebody knows something and we're asking you to come out because if it happened to my nephew, it could happen to your child, " said Farmer.

The 2-year-old was not the intended target in the shooting. The boy is expected to survive.

Last month several people in the same home were arrested with guns, however this family just recently moved into the home. Some believe the incident may have been a case of mistaken identity.