Thousands of people paid their respects Sunday to Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor, as four young men sat in jail cells across the state charged with his killing.
At a wake in a small church here and at a vigil on the University of Miami campus where the athlete's skills made him an idol.
Good to see the University community coming out and supporting Sean's family," Andrea Mortley, UM alumni told CBS4's Shomari Stone.
The UM flag is at half staff outside the Bank United Center as the University of Miami mourns the loss of Taylor.
Mortley said the murder is unfortunate. "It's definitely a tragedy, it's a shame that something like that happen in the community."
Taylor was remembered by those who knew him since childhood and those who felt like they did.
At the vigil the University remembered Taylor by signing their names on a banner that hung at the vigil. It read "Sean Taylor Always A Cane." They also wore t-shirt with his pictures, and some even draped his jersey on their backs.
Jackie Garcia held her baby's pacifier as they child slept in her lap during the candlelight vigil. Moments later she thanked the crowd for paying respects for her boyfriend, Taylor.
"I just wanted to thank everybody, UM, and thank you so much for letting me have so many memories," said Garcia. "And giving him so many opportunities."
Taylor's family gathered alone around his casket and left before the doors of Second Baptist Church opened to a line of hundreds of people stretching a block long.
Richard Sharpstein was Taylor's attorney, he and his wife had known Taylor since he was in the 10th grade.
"He didn't die in peace, but he is going to peace," Sharpstein told CBS4's Cristina Puig.
They departed in black limousines, SUVs and two buses.
Mourners filed through the church, pausing at the athlete's open casket, where he lay in a dark suit and white shirt with his arms by his side.
Some made the sign of the cross, some sobbed, some walked silently as the choir sang. A police officer stood guard near a casket cordoned off by red velvet ropes.
One man erected a display in the parking lot in the athlete's honor with dozens of balloons, including those representing his jersey numbers in high school, college and professionally.
"I just wanted to do something," said James Lovett of Fort Lauderdale, who said he met Taylor when he was displaced from his home after Hurricane Andrew. "I just loved the kid, truly loved him."
Dozens of flower arrangements filled the church, including an orange and green U symbolizing the University of Miami and one in the shape of a badge for the Florida City Police, where Taylor's father is chief.
People came for many reasons. Some had met Taylor, many had not.
Dolores Brown mourned a man she called a son.
Josh Persad, a freshman at Miramar High School, came wearing a Taylor jersey. "He's like my hero," Persad whispered.
Just southwest of here in Coral Gables, about 2,000 people gathered outside BankUnited Center at UM where Taylor's life was remembered in a somber ceremony. His number 26 jersey from the school was framed, along with a photo of him in his Hurricanes uniform.
"Sean is with God now," his father, Pedro Taylor said. "I will miss his smile, his dedication and his humbleness."
UM's football coach agrees. "Sean was the type of guy that if you give him a challenge he is going to accept it and try to get it done," said Randy Shanon at the vigil candlelight.
The mass of people held white candles toward the sky as a university band performed the alma mater. Some said they would emulate him, others said they would always remember him.
The remembrances Sunday came only hours after a fourth man charged in the shooting death of the 24-year-old Taylor appeared briefly in court and, like his co-defendants, was denied bond.
Jason Mitchell, 19, appeared briefly via video conference in a Fort Myers courtroom, about 100 miles from here. Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, he responded quietly when asked if he understood the charges.
"He looks like he's in shock," said Sawyer Smith, one of his attorneys.
Three others -- Eric Rivera, 17; Charles Wardlow, 18; and Venjah Hunte, 20 -- made their first court appearance Saturday.
All four have been charged with unpremeditated murder, home invasion with a firearm or another deadly weapon and armed burglary.
They will be transported to Miami, though authorities haven't said when.
The mourning is set to continue Monday with a massive funeral at a Florida International University arena.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
