The Youngstown community gathered in a special way to reflect on the young life of Landon Lockhart, a 14 year old boy who's body was found earlier this year on N. Truesdale Ave. Police are investigating his death as the first homicide in the city in 2022. 

Family and friends celebrated the teen's life by also beautifying a portion of the city's east side which was a hobby Lockhart enjoyed doing in his own free time.

"This tree will be a reminder, always, for him," Bobbe Reynolds, President of Northeast Homeowners & Concerned Citizens Association.

"He loved the outside," said Lajena Solomon, Landon's mother. "He was dedicated to lawn work, planting, and he was lovable. Everywhere he went, everybody knew him."

Dozens of Landon's loved ones participated in the tree planting Friday afternoon on the corner of McGuffey and Albert on Youngstown's East Side. 

"The tree that we planted is called a Chinese dogwood and it blooms but it doesn't get very big," Reynolds said. "We chose a tree that would reflect a young person like Landon."

Landon was a second year youth worker for Northeast Homeowners & Concerned Citizens Association where he worked on city beatification and revitalization projects around town.

"He was a fantastic young man," said Michael North, Vice President of Northeast Homeowners & Concerned Citizens Association. "He was a great worker. Always on time. He loved what he was doing and you could see the excitement when he did his work. It showed. That's why we're dedicating this tree in his honor."

The community also participated in clean up efforts in the Landsdowne and Stewart area by picking up trash along the roads.

The neighborhood clean up initiative is a collaborative effort with the Global Clean-Up offered by NHCCA Community Partner, Earthday.org in recognition of National Earth Day.

"For someone that young to be so dedicated, it showed a fantastic aptitude for someone so young to have that desire and that work ethic," North said. 

Landon's cause of death still remains unknown. Police continue to investigate his death as a homicide.

If you have any information regarding this teenager's life, contact Youngstown Police Department or Crimestoppers at 330-746-CLUE.