Parents of slain 5-year-old urge Modesto football teammates to ‘play hard for him’

Xavier Smith, the 5-year-old killed in a drive-by shooting Saturday, had planned to celebrate Halloween with his football teammates in Modesto.

The Central Valley Jets turned Tuesday night’s gathering at Mellis Park into a remembrance for Xavier. The annual event featured the usual jerseys and costumes, but attendees also held candles in his honor.

Xavier’s parents, Marcus Smith and Tiffany Moun, took part in the event at the west Modesto park.

“He loved his team,” Marcus told the crowd. “He loved every one of the guys. I want you guys to go out there and play hard for him.”

Xavier was hit by gunfire while playing in the garage of his home on Lake Park Court in east Modesto. A 6-year-old friend was wounded. Police have not reported a suspect or motive as of Tuesday night.

This story was originally published November 1, 2017 at 6:34 PM with the headline "Parents of slain 5-year-old urge Modesto football teammates to ‘play hard for him’."