PART TWO: Federalsburg Families Lay Their Boys To Rest - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

FEDERALSBURG, Md. - Heartache, shock, and disbelief are all emotions one Federalsburg community is feeling. On Sunday, the bodies of 12-year-old Vladimir Jacotin, his 11-year-old cousin Christopher Gabriel, and 6-year-old Yamoulde Dona were pulled from the Marshyhope Creek, after what police believe is an accidental drowning. No foul play is suspected, but the parents aren't convinced.

"We're afraid somebody hurt and kill those kids," said Christopher's uncle Adisson Gabriel.

Witnesses say the boys were playing basketball Saturday at the First Church of God, then later seen near that murky water. The creek's depth is extremely deceptive. In some parts it appears to be shallow water, but the bottom has a quick-sand like effect, that drops out quickly.

"This particularly body of water again goes from a few inches, to 19 to 20 feet deep depending upon where you're at in the creek," said Lt. Art Windemuth, of Maryland Natural Resources Police.

The boys allegedly went for a swim to escape the heat. In light of the incident, Pastor Peter Smith hopes the community can rally together and finally build that recreational center or swimming pool he's been pushing for, for years.

"There was a tragic drowning in the 80's and there was a lot of talk, nothing happened maybe this will stimulate people thinking together again," said Pastor Smith.

As the families mourn their immense loss, they've got yet another hardship to face: funeral costs.

"Thank you, God bless you, we appreciate that very much and we need the help," said Adisson.

A fund has been set up at the Frampton Funeral Home in Federalsburg. If you would like to help, large or small donations, can be sent there. As for the investigation, it's still ongoing.