Loved ones and friends joined together Tuesday to honor the life of 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle, who was shot and killed while she and her family were sitting in their car early July 5, 2025 after watching Fourth of July fireworks.

Now, one year later, they are working to ensure she receives justice and her name is never forgotten.

Not a day goes by without the Cheadle family remembering Honesty, who had an affinity for Bluey the cartoon, her dolls and spending time with her family.

“It’s just joy and love and a brightness,” said her aunt, Keisha Easton. “[…] And we continue to try and be that light that she shared with us and continue to share with each other.”

One year since tragedy struck, the impact of Honesty’s shining spirit was felt through her family’s warm embrace, hugs and words.

Last year after Honesty and her family finished watching a Fourth of July fireworks show and were headed home, a gunman opened fire on the family’s car on 14th street in Southeast D.C. Honesty was shot, and she died a few days later.

Investigators arrested and charged 24-year-old Charles Rucker with first degree murder. During the investigation, police said they believed the family’s car was intentionally targeted.

“It’s been challenging, but as believers in God, we know that she’s in a better place,” Easton said.

As the family pushes through the grief, they honor her life and legacy one year later through balloons and fellowship, all while hoping for justice for a little girl loved ones described as a beautiful soul.

“It feels really good because she’s not forgotten, and that’s the most important thing,” Easton said. “We want to continue to have her memory be one that we don’t forget.”