Friends and family gathered in the parking lot of the South Side Seventh Day Adventist Church in central Bakersfield Wednesday evening, to remember Sheridan Rogers.
His cousin, Arlisha Stewart, said he texted her everyday, except for Friday. That's when he was shot to death.
She choked back tears as she told 17 News about him.
"He was just a loving happy person. He would do anything for anybody, and he always put a smile on everyone's face," Stewart said.
Other family members left the prayer circle, overcome with emotion at their sudden loss.
Rogers left behind a wife and six children, including a newborn, his parents, and extended family.
On June 18, Rogers was shot multiple times at a home located at 4505 Southern Breeze Drive in southwest Bakersfield. Bakersfield Police arrested the man who lived there, Michael Watkins. However, Watkins was released Wednesday morning due to insufficient evidence.
Rogers' father heard the two men argued over an alleged stolen car.
"Of course you'll want your money back," said Willie Ray Rogers. "I mean, he talked to the guy to get his money back, and one thing led to another, and eventually you know, it came out the wrong way."
While loved ones hoped for justice Wednesday night, they wanted more to focus on the work Rogers was doing in the last several months: to steer kids away from gangs.
Founder of the Wendale Davis Foundation, Wesley Davis, said Rogers became very involved in speaking to at-risk teens, or teens affiliated with gangs.
"They can only relate to individuals that have come from the lifestyle that they are into," Davis explained. "We have a bunch of guys like that, and Sheridan was one of them."
In addition to participating in gang-intervention programs, family members said Rogers also loved being around his children.
His father said he cannot believe his son is gone.
"He was my life," the senior Rogers said. "I'm going to miss him. What took place shouldn't have took place."
