On Wednesday evening, October 29, 2025, scores of mourners gathered at the Monroe Civic Center grounds for a candlelight vigil honoring the three victims of the tragic triple homicide that occurred one day earlier on Grammont Street.
The crowd—made up of family members, city officials, clergy, and community activists—came together in prayer, remembrance, and a shared plea for peace. Among those in attendance were Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, City Council Chairperson Rev. Rodney McFarland, Councilwoman Juanita Woods, several ministers, and local community activist K-9.
Under a cool evening sky, participants released dozens of helium-filled balloons into the air, symbolizing both grief and hope. Joined hand in hand, the community prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved families.
Monica Simpson, mother and grandmother, of two of the victims, said she was encouraged by the support because she can’t sleep at night knowing that her son and grandchild are no longer with her.
K-9, holding a large picture of two survivors, urged the crowd to support the family through love and unity. “Hug them. Pray for them. Stand with them,” he said, encouraging Monroe residents to come together to prevent future acts of violence.
Mayor Ellis in a prepared release pointed to the city’s shared humanity.
“Monroe stands together—for justice, for truth, and for the safety of every child in our city,” he said. “We will not rest until every individual responsible for this despicable crime is held accountable.”
The vigil followed a devastating incident that occurred on October 28, when Monroe Police began investigating a triple homicide at an apartment complex on Grammont Street. Officers discovered three victims—two adults and a two-year-old child—all with gunshot wounds.
According to police reports, the residence showed signs of forced entry and ransacking. Investigators recovered two different calibers of shell casings and bullet fragments believed to have been fired after the victims were already on the ground.
Authorities quickly developed 24-year-old Travis Tyrone Payton as a person of interest through tips and phone records placing him at the scene. Payton was later arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, home invasion, and criminal conspiracy.
The evening’s vigil became more than a moment of mourning—it was a call for unity. Citizens left with tears, prayers, and a renewed determination to make Monroe a safer, more compassionate community.
