Hundreds of friends, family members and community supporters gathered in Nelson Park on Wednesday for a candlelight vigil to remember Dustin DeWitt, a 21-year-old Stockton man fatally stabbed earlier this week.
The vigil, held in the early evening, featured emotional tributes, shared memories and calls for justice as attendees lit candles and reflected on DeWitt’s life. He was described by loved ones as someone who brought joy to everyday moments, from making sandwiches to spoiling his family.
DeWitt died on Monday after a stabbing incident in downtown Sacramento.
Sacramento Police Department officers responded around 10 p.m. to reports of a stabbing along K Street near the Downtown Commons, according to the police department.
Police found a man, who was later identified as DeWitt, and a woman suffering from stab wounds. Both were taken to a hospital, where DeWitt later died from his injuries.
Dustin’s father, David DeWitt, spoke during the vigil with stories of his son’s childhood. He recalled elaborate Christmas decorations, early-morning Starbucks runs with Dustin and his sister Jenika and family trips which included whale watching and oyster outings.
“He was my best friend,” David DeWitt said. “I feel empty inside. The last time I saw him, he stopped by the house for 15 minutes, I didn’t know it would be the last time.”
Kimora Gray, 23, Dustin’s best friend, met him in 2023 at a Dutch Bros Coffee, where she trained him as a shift lead.
“We just clicked,” she said. “Within two weeks of knowing each other, we were inseparable.”
She explained they spent constant time together—working, texting, FaceTiming and visiting each other’s homes—becoming like family. Gray learned of the tragedy while returning from Disneyland, after getting urgent texts from the mother of Dustin DeWitt’s friend who he was with in Sacramento.
Calls for justice were prominent at the vigil, with David DeWitt voicing his frustration and wanting an arrest.
“When somebody takes somebody’s life away like that, that should be it. They should be put away,” David said.
Dustin’s mom, Sokha Hem, asked that anyone with information on the attack to contact the Sacramento Police Department.
The stabbings remain under investigation by the Sacramento Police Department.