Loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday to honor 21-year-old Damani Bentley, whose family says stepped in to protect coworkers when a fellow employee opened fire at Jay Boy's Travel Ce nter.WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW: Family remembers Damani Bentley as a hero during candlelight vigilCandles, prayers, and tears filled Freedom Park on Wednesday evening as family, pastors, friends, and neighbors came together to honor Damani Bentley, the 21-year-old killed during the May 3rd shooting at Jay Boy's Travel Center off Madison Highway.Lowndes County Sheriff's Office says fellow employee Jabari Nelms opened fire inside the business, injuring 3 workers and killing Bentley before deputies took him into custody on murder and additional charges.But at Wednesday's vigil, loved ones focused less on how Damani died and more on how he lived.Bentley's cousin, Pastor Jeremy Henry, says Damani stepped in trying to de-escalate the situation and protect coworkers when the gunfire began."He didn't die just cause in a lot of ways, he died in a heroic way, protecting people he saw as friends."Family members describe Bentley as funny, intelligent, deeply faithful, and always willing to help others a young man who was getting ready to start college in just a few weeks."He was getting ready to start college in just a few weeks this shouldn't have happened."Dexter Sharper, who was invited to speak by the family, says tragedies like this leave scars far beyond one family."It may not have been your child, but when it affects a child in our community, it affects all of us."As candles lit up the night sky and balloons filled the air, mourners said they hope Bentley's legacy pushes the community toward healing, accountability, and violence prevention."What greater love is that for a man to lay down their life for a friend?"Family members say that while the investigation into the shooting continues, they want the community to remember Damani Bentley not for the tragedy, but for his bravery.This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.Like us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram and X. ...read more read less