CYPRESS, TX – Family members, community leaders and law enforcement gathered for a candlelight vigil honoring 5-year-old Zah’Layah Walter, who was killed in a road rage shooting.

During the vigil, Zah’Layah’s mother recalled the final conversation she had with her daughter before the shooting.

“My baby was like, ‘Mommy, can I have a Hot Pocket when I get home?’ And the last thing I said was yes,” she said.

The mother said she did not speak to or engage with the accused driver before her vehicle’s rear window shattered. She said she later realized Zah’Layah had been shot in the head.

“There’s no instruction manual for grieving,” she said. “I just want him to know what he took from me.”

She denied claims that she contributed to the confrontation and said the vehicle’s untinted windows allowed the shooter to see her children inside. She called for the person responsible to be held accountable.

April Aguirre, a crime victims’ advocate for Voice for Victims, thanked the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for arresting a suspect in less than 24 hours. Aguirre credited community support and Flock cameras with helping investigators locate the suspect. The crowd chanted, “Keep the cameras.”

Representatives from No More Victims, Legends and Legacies Houston and Crime Stoppers of Houston joined the family. Dr. Matthews led a prayer for the family, community unity, public safety and justice.

Houston City Council Member Willie Davis called for continued emotional and financial support for the family. Other community activists and mothers who have lost children to gun violence urged residents to attend future court proceedings and continue supporting the family after the funeral.

A funeral director with Pruitt’s in the Heights announced that the funeral home would provide Zah’Layah’s services at no cost to the family.

The candlelight vigil ended with a song and balloon release as attendees rallied around “Zah’Layah’s Army” and pledged continued support for her family.

Jeremy Porter was arrested in less than 24 hours and charged with capital murder. According to court documents, Porter admitted firing five rounds toward another vehicle while driving on Grant Road. Investigators used Flock cameras to locate his white Ford pickup at a residence.