HOUSTON – There were tears and there was mourning, all for the senseless loss of 8-year-old De'Maree Adkins.
The third grader was shot to death this past Saturday after a traffic altercation in southwest Houston.
"Everybody's been sad and just heartbroken, because she was too young," says family friend Wendellynn Young. "She was the sweetest little girl. She was always happy. Very smart."
On Wednesday, about 200 people gathered at the corner of Beltway 8 and West Fuqua for a balloon release to honor De'Maree's memory.
That is where the little girl was shot.
The group included family and friends -- and also HPD Chief Art Acevedo who led the group in prayer.
"And what I pray as one of the newest members of this community," Acevedo said, "Is that we use this loss of this family and your gain in heaven to come together. To come together for peace, for justice, for hope."
One thing De'Maree's loved ones are thankful is the announcement that police arrested a suspect.
But Wednesday night, the focus was on the family and De'Maree.
In their immense grief, they took time to remember a child who was taken far too soon.
"The word's almost indescribable support that she garnered even in her death," says her grandfather Melvin Jarmon. "This here means a hell of a lot to the family. We'll never forget that."
Police have not released the suspect's name.
De'Marre's funeral is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church.