NEWBERRY, S.C. — The family of 7-year-old Iven Penny remembered his life during a Friday night vigil.
Iven was shot and killed last Saturday during a domestic dispute. Officers say the man charged in his killing, 26-year-old X'Zavier Davis, was trying to get into his girlfriend's home on Cherry Lane in Newberry around 3 a.m. Saturday, according to Newberry Sheriff Lee Foster.
Davis was unable to get a response because everyone inside was asleep, but he eventually gained entry and a dispute began. The girlfriend left out of the back door with three kids who were inside and put them all into the car.
The sheriff says Davis met her outside, produced a weapon and began firing.
On Friday night, Iven's mother was present during the vigil and could be seen sitting in a wheelchair, recovering from a gunshot wound to her leg.
"It means a lot to me to let him know that his auntie loves him dearly," says Princess Penny, aunt of Iven. "I know he's in a better place. No suffering, no pain, no worries, nothing. It's all joy and I know he's smiling down. We're going to keep his happiness alive."
The vigil was put on by the Put Down the Guns Now Young People Organization, which works to end youth gun violence.
"I know everyone's heart is heavy, but we are going to give it to the Lord and He's going to work it out," says Penny.
Iven's family says he was full of joy and love and was recently baptized at church.
One by one, family members told stories of experiences shared with the vibrant young boy, followed by the release of balloons.
"So this is for him," says Penny. "To keep his love and his happiness and everything alive."
Services for Iven will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 2 pm, at the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Newberry, SC.