Friends and family of 14-year-old Caleb Rijos gathered on a chilly Sunday afternoon at Agnes Haywood Playground – a year after he was fatally stabbed.

Rijos was killed in Mott Haven on Jan. 10 while on his way to school. Police arrested 29-year-old Waldo Mejia who faces several charges, including murder. Mejia has a criminal past and struggled with mental health issues, police said.

Rijos’s friends burned candles and released blue and white balloons at the park they used to hangout at after school. They shouted, “Long live Caleb.” Rijos teacher, Latoya Reed Payne, told News 12 that the tribute was the best way to honor Rijos life.

"That is sad that we have to do this, because he was so young,” she said.

Mejia is due back in court on Jan. 26.