Selma Mayor George Evans has called for a “Peace through Prayer Candlelight Vigil” to combat the violence in the community.

The prayer service will begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Carl Morgan Convention Center and last for an hour.

The public is invited to bring their candles and join Evans, pastors and congregations and community leaders as they seek God to deliver Selma from violence, crime, hatred, division and the devaluing of human life.

“Jesus tells us in John 10:10, ‘the thief does not come except to kill, steal and destroy. I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly,” Evans said. “In recent weeks, we have experienced the works of the enemy with the killing, stealing and destroying on our community. Let us embrace this opportunity to seek God and dispel the darkness as we light candles symbolizing the light of Jesus.”

Last week, Selma police officers arrested Deandra Lee, 18, in Lowndes County, charging him with capital murder in the shooting deaths of Ramone Hale, 18, and Dalvin Tyre, 17, and with attempted murder in the wounding of Ken Prevo, 19. Authorities have not released possible motives for the shooting.

Lee is being held in the Dallas County Jail without bond.

Several days before, Rahemeen Garner, 16, was shot to death on Lauderdale Street. Xavier Garrett was certified as an adult and charged with murder in that case. He was placed under $30,000 bond in the Dallas County Jail.

The murders have raised concerns among residents across Selma and Dallas County.