Family, friends, classmates and former teachers gathered Friday night for a candlelight vigil for Nathan Bentley, one week after the 18-year-old was shot and killed near a McDonald’s in Miami.
His mother, Nohely Bogert, attended as she tries to come to terms with the loss. “I knew a lot of people loved him, but just seeing it is another level. I’m so proud of him,” she said.
A former teacher from Hallandale Magnet High School traveled from Chicago to attend. Danielle Smith said Bentley was a hardworking student in the digital video technology program who looked out for his classmates. “Do not forget his name,” Smith said.
Investigation continues
Miami-Dade sheriff’s deputies and detectives attended the vigil while the investigation remains open. The sheriff’s office has distributed a flyer asking anyone who witnessed the shooting to come forward.
The office is also asking people who were in the McDonald’s parking lot on Oct. 30 to submit any photos or videos they recorded that night. Investigators hope the footage will help them piece together what happened.
Bogert said she remains hopeful that answers will come. The family plans another gathering in Hollywood the following evening to celebrate Bentley’s life before he is cremated.
