Family and friends hold prayer vigil for 15-year-old killed during spring break

The family of a 15-year-old girl killed in a shootout is not giving up their fight for answers.

More than 20 people gathered in Goldsboro Friday night for a prayer vigil to remember Joyanna Pearsall, who lost her life at a spring break party.

It's been nearly a month since she was killed, and there is still no one of interest or motive.

This adds to the level of frustration that friends and family are feeling.

"Most of them are scared-they want to come forward but don't know how they are scared," said Grace Johnson, Pearsall's cousin.

Dr. Helen Egger, Child Psychiatrist, says shooting can cause trauma for teenagers, from nightmares to trouble sleeping. She says it can also cause deep distress.

"It is scary to talk about things and ask how someone is feeling, thinking of hurting themselves, but there is so much power in being brave and asking the question because that's always the right thing to do," said Egger.

Through it all, Pearsall's loved ones are sticking together as their calls to action grow.

"We can march, we can protest, we can do all this, but until that one person says something about what went on, that knows what went on, justice still won't be served," said Montero Oliver, Pearsall's Friend.

Next Friday at 7 p.m., free counseling services will be available at Gospel Light Temple Church for anyone still coping with the tragic loss.