Beloved couple killed in car crash remembered in massive Capitol Heights vigil

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. - Hundreds of people came out for a massive memorial Wednesday night honoring a beloved couple who died in a car crash over the weekend.

Christopher Jackson and Shadella McDowney were on their way home from a party when the car they were in crashed into a pole in Capitol Heights early Sunday morning.

"That's my baby brother," said Chris' sister, Marsinah Jackson, through tears. "I didn't want to bury him. That's not how it's supposed to go."

She told FOX 5 the couple had been together since before high school.

"They were both beautiful people, genuine people and we love them," added a woman who only wanted to be identified as Plum. She said she has known Jackson and McDowney for more than 25 years.

The eclectic and large crowd was evidence of the life the two built together.

"If this was all to just bring us together, then so be it," added Marsinah Jackson.

She remembered the last time she saw her brother.

"I was like, 'Brother!' He was like, 'What's up sister!'" she recalled.

McDowney was known fondly by her favorite color -- as Pinky.

"If your day was upset, she was going to brighten it," remembered Rickeria McDonald, McDowney's cousin. "Pinky we love you!"

Those in attendance emphasized the need to take care of Jackson and McDowney's three children they left behind.

"We have to answer the call," added Marsinah Jackson. "It's on us now. We all said we loved them while they were alive. Now it's time to show them proof."

Both the Jackson and McDowney families have created a GoFundMe page to raise money for the couple's children. To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/jackson-children-in-need