BBC - Birmingham Features - Vigil held for Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakspeare

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23 December 2009
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Thursday 9th January 2003
A prayer of hope

Vigil held at shooting scene

Prayers for peace were said at a candlelight vigil held at the murder scene in Aston, in memory of Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakspeare.

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	Inspirational words from the Right Rev John Sentamu
	Singing at the vigil
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FACTS

- Charlene Ellis, aged 18 and Letisha Shakespeare, 17, were shot outside the Uniseven Studios hairdressing salon in Aston Birmingham Birmingham on Thursday 2nd January 2003.

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A candlelight vigil held in memory of the two teenagers Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakspeare was an opportunity for people to express their revulsion of the killings. In their hundreds people braved freezing temperatures.

The vigil was held at the scene where the girls were caught in crossfire between rival gangs on Thursday 2nd January.

Women prays for the girls

It began at Holy Trinity Church. As he led them in song the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Rev John Sentamu, said: "the blood of the two sixth formers was crying from the ground seeking for justice. We have got to change... enough is enough."

Outside the church many more had gathered listening to a series of tributes to Charlene and Letisha.

As flowers and cards were laid and candles lit, the crowd sang and prayed for future peace.

Listen to the comments from people who attended the vigil