Hundreds Attend Vigil For Murdered Teen

DUNCANVILLE (CBSDFW.COM) - Hundreds attended a vigil at Duncanville High School for 17 year old Tasmia Allen, who was shot and killed Wednesday along with her mother, Toya Smith.

Smith's ex-boyfriend, Erbie Bowser, is suspected in the murders. He is also accused of shooting two others in the home, Smith's 14 year-old son, Storm Malone and a family friend, Dasmine Mitchell, 17. Both remain hospitalized.

Friends, family, classmates and even former teachers attended the vigil.

"She was just excited about being in school," said Diane Portner, who taught Allen in 4th grade and also taught her brother, Storm Malone. "If there was something going on she wanted to be a part of it."

Friends stood up in front of the large crowd and remembered the good times they had with their beloved friend.

"Tasmia opened so many hearts. She brightened so many minds," said Cid'Ni Wilkerson, Allen's best friend.

One after the other, students came up to say Allen had a bright smile that showed genuine concern.

Allen had planned to attend Texas A&M and aspired to become an elementary school teacher.

She was co captain of the Duncanille High School Drill team, the High Hats.

"Everytime a bell rings an angel gets it's wings and I think she has her wings now," said Duncanville High School band director, Jeff King.

But the emotion and the heat, became overwhelming for Allen's grandmother, who was escorted away from teh vigil and later checked out by paramedics.

After the vigil, Allen's older brother, Tasmin Smith, asked if the district would award his sister a diploma posthumously.

He is now fighting to stay strong for his brother Storm, who is making slow progress in his recovery at Parkland Hospital.

"Everybody just pray for Storm. That's all we can do right now is pray," he said.

For those who wish to help, a Storm Malone Recovery Account has been set up through Wells Fargo.

A viewing for Allen will be held Friday at New Birth Baptist Church. Allen will be laid to rest Saturday.