Funeral held for 2-year-old shot and killed while playing outside

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- A funeral was held Saturday for 2-year-old John Edward Swoveland Jr. who was shot and killed while playing outside on Wednesday. At the service his family said they are relying on faith to make it through this difficult time.

Metro Homicide said two groups were shooting at each other when a stray bullet took the life of John Swoveland Jr.

Police are still investigating and have no one in custody at this time.

Reverend Greg Brown attended the funeral and he is begging the community to come together to stop all the gun violence.

Reverend Brown said, “They came together in unity and they left in unity. But one thing I know in this community is that it’s going to take the whole community to cease this fire.”

After the funeral the family was too upset to go on camera but they asked us to share the poem below on the news:

He couldn't really fight you

He couldn't hold a gun

He couldn't pull the trigger

And yet he's the one gone

He is only two years old

Doesn't really know what's right or wrong

He just knows his family

And that he likes to have fun

Playing with his sister

Enjoying the warm sun

Then in the blink of an eye

Baby boy is gone

He couldn't really fight you

He couldn't hold a gun

He couldn't pull the trigger

And yet he's the one gone

Heaven got a handsome angel

Open your wings and fly baby boy

And watch over your family.