TOWNVILLE, SC (AP) - People arrived dressed in superhero costumes to the funeral of a 6-year-old boy who died after a teen gunman opened fire at a South Carolina elementary school.
The church was filling up an hour before Jacob Hall's funeral Wednesday. It comes a week after authorities say a 14-year-old boy killed his own father, then drove to Townville Elementary and fired on two children and a teacher as recess began. Jacob died Saturday. The other student and teacher were treated and released the day of the shooting.
Jacob's family has encouraged people to celebrate his life by dressing as the superheroes he loved. The front of the funeral program reads "God's Super Hero," with the words of the song "Jesus Loves Me" printed inside. Photos from his life are on display on two large screens.
Jacob's blue casket is decorated with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle stickers, and a bright floral spray on top includes large figurines of Ninja turtles and Captain America.
Jacob is being laid to rest as Batman, another favorite.
A man dressed up as Batman led a prayer rally on Tuesday in memory of six-year-old Jacob Hall, who died after being shot during a gun attack at an elementary school in Townville, South Carolina, on September 28. “I pray that we learn forgiveness, patience, and understanding,” the man said in his brief remarks.