A vigil was held in honor of Cornelius McDonald, a beloved community activist who was tragically shot and killed outside a restaurant in Prince George’s County. McDonald’s life’s work was driven by the loss of his brother, who was also killed in 2019. He founded the organization Stay SOLID to address mental health and gun violence in the community. McDonald’s legacy of creating positive change in the face of tragedy was the theme of the vigil, attended by supporters and loved ones. Viktor Valente, the president of the board of Stay SOLID, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health and ending the stigma surrounding it to prevent further violence.
McDonald’s mother, Maria Butler, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community, highlighting the impact her son had on those around him. Police have arrested and charged 35-year-old Terrelle Bailey with McDonald’s murder, with Bailey claiming self-defense. However, a judge denied bail, and officials are committed to seeking justice in the case.
Prince George’s County States Attorney Aisha Braveboy and County Councilperson Wala Blegay both pledged their support for McDonald’s mission to end gun violence, with Blegay offering financial resources to continue his work. The vigil served as a tribute to McDonald’s life and a call to action to carry on his legacy by working towards positive change in the community.
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