(March 28, 2015) -- The community gathered at NLB's Gethsemane Baptist Church today (Mar. 28) for the funeral service (titled "Home Going") for Keshawn Brooks, the 15 year old Cabrillo High School student mortally wounded in a robbery/stabbing as Mr. Brooks walked home from school along busy Santa Fe Ave. on March 12.

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Pastor Carl Kromminga delivered the service's eulogy.

Keeshawn's Stepfather, Keeyon Layton, delivered closing words. Mr. Layton conveyed a powerful message, speaking without notes for less than four minutes. We make his words available on demand below.

To launch, click here or video icon below.

LBREPORT.com has prepared a transcript of Mr. Layton's words. [We apologize for any inaccuracies; audibility was at times difficult.]

Mr. Layon: I asked for this time so I could talk to everyone here. When the incident first happened. I was angry. I was enraged. But God came into my life, and He told me: don't let the devil win.

Keshawn's life was bright. Keshawn's life touched a lot people. It's amazing -- it is amazing -- the work that 15 year old boy did in his life.

I ask you, I plead with you, the one's that are hurting, the ones that are angry: don't let the devil win.

God never puts on us more than we can handle. [audibility difficult] If you feel you that it's too heavy on your heart, just pray and you give it to him.

Keeshawn's life and death is going to be the catalyst for change in our communities.

When people think of Keshawn and his legacy, that's when people are going to say, that's enough. No more. Never again, what has happened, on our watch.

There are a thousand, millions, of more children with the same life that Keshawn had, that would go out and change this world for the better. It is on us to protect them. It is on us to watch and guide them.

Yes we have, you know, the police, and we have our Council members, but it is going to take the community, it's going to take [applause overwhelming]...

...so that the next generation has a chance.

I'm going to close, but I'm going to say this: I never thought I'd be standing here today, like this, never...never told me I'd be doing this.

Wake up. Don't wait for your turn to be standing up here for you to get active. Thank you.

Pastor Sanders invited the Cabrillo High School football team to gather in what he called a final huddle for their former teammate, flanking either side of the casket.

The casket was opened for a parting view recessional. The community filed by, culminating with familymembers.

To view video as webcast (excerpt below begins with Mr. Layton's words, runs to conclusion), click below:

Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream

Among local officials attending (not a complete list, those visible to us): LBUSD Superintendent Chris Steinhauser, four of five LBUSD Boardmembers (brief remarks by Board president Craighead, Williams not visible to us), LBPD's North Division and West Division Commanders (in full uniform, each momentarily pausing in respect as they approached the casket) and Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal (brief remarks on introduction.) Mayor Garcia and LB's eight other Councilmembers weren't visible to us and weren't introduced [if they were present we'll adjust our text; we didn't see them.]

The Cabrillo High Football Team served as Honorary Pallbearers. Special organizations credited were LBPD, LB Ministers Alliance, New City Church, and the Cabrillo High School Football League. Interment was at Forest Lawn, Long Beach.

Within hours of the murder, LBPD arrested a suspect, whom the L.A. County District Attorney's office has charged with murder committed in association with a criminal street gang.

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