Tearful candlelight vigil held for slain Arcadia teens

ARCADIA, Calif. (KABC) -- More than a thousand people held a tearful candlelight vigil in Arcadia for two teenage brothers who were brutally beaten to death in their home.

At the Monday night vigil at Arcadia High School, friends of William and Anthony Lin tearfully remembered their classmates, taken too soon.

"I think Anthony would want us to be happy right now. He was always smiling and he always made us laugh," said Ivy Chang, Anthony's friend.

The community gathered to light candles, leaves notes and to remember.

"I see light and love. Let them shine in honor of William and Anthony," said the school's principal as he shed tears.

The brothers, 15 and 16, were students at Arcadia High School. They were killed last week allegedly at the hands of their uncle, 44-year-old Deyun Shi. Investigators said both teens died of blunt force injuries.

Shi was arrested in Hong Kong and agreed on Monday to return to the U.S. for prosecution.

Many classmates say their school will never be the same. Monday was their first day all together since the murders. Community members say they have a long road of healing ahead of them.

A GoFundMe account was established to help the boys' family during this time. You can donate at wwww.Gofund.me/neverforgetlin.

A memorial fund has also been set up by the Arcadia High School PTSA.

Donations can be sent to:

Lin Brothers Memorial Fund

"Anthony & William" c/o Foothill Federal Credit Union

30 S. First Avenue

Arcadia, CA 91006