It seems as though the weather matched the emotions expressed at Warner Robins CME Church Monday morning.

Family members packed the church to mourn the death of 8-year-old Jai'Mel Anderson.

"I know it's a hard time for us, but we is a family and we try to pray and stay together as a family," said Anderson's cousin David Williams.

He says he understands how the child's parents are feeling.

"I have a son. And he's a young guy, and it would tear my heart apart to see my son die a senseless death," Williams said.

A program from a family member, shows Anderson's smiling face during happier times.

"He was a sweet child. Beautiful little child. He played football with my grandbaby," said Mary Sanders, a distant relative.

She says Jai'Mel's death is difficult to understand.

When the state legislature starts a week from Monday, Houston County will have a new representative.

Republican Heath Clark takes the District 147 seat formerly held by Willie Talton.

After winning the primary in May, software engineer at Robins Air Force Base Heath Clark started prepping for his new job as state representative.

Clark said, "I'm ready. I'm eager, excited, and looking forward to it."

The 34-year-old first time politician, who once planned to be a pastor, says he spent the off-season meeting local leaders and taking advice.

Clark said, "A lot. More than I can remember, "

Training mentally and physically, Clark said he has lost fifty pounds since the primary.

Clark said, "It's just a matter of getting there and learning from experience."