Son who saved mother's life remembered

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Friends and family gathered Friday to say goodbye to Derwin "DJ" Watts. The 19-year-old died trying to save his mother from a hostage situation this week.

Police were called to Watts' home on Canal Drive in Chesapeake Sunday morning for reports of screams and gunshots.

According to police, 44-year-old Charles Collins shot two people inside the apartment, DJ was one of them. 

The memorial service was held at I.C. Norcom, the school Watts would have graduated from in just a few months. Classes were canceled, so students could attend the emotional service. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

"I know my son would want me to be strong, even though I would give anything for him to still be here with me," Watts mother, Tanisha Watts, said.

Tanisha said her son tackled Collins, so she could run to safety.

"Just knowing this happened because he was trying to make sure I got out okay, it's a guilt that's just unbearable at times," Tanisha said.

Also unbearable, the pain felt by so many who loved him.

Their goodbyes, displayed both on stage and in a memorial video, bring her some comfort.

"He was way different than any boy I ever talked to, so that's why I loved him a lot," said DJ's girlfriend, who was also held hostage.

The crowd fought back tears, as they sang from their heart - hearts that are broken.

DJ's classmates wanted to stand next to him at graduation. Instead, they watched his sister pick up his cap and gown early. Tanisha says her son loved robotics and engineering, but she'll never know what he could have been. However, she's proud of who he was.

DJ's funeral will be held Saturday, April 28 in Windsor, N.C.