8-Year-Old Boston Marathon Bombing Victim Made Peace Sign [PICTURE]

Such a senseless tragedy in Boston on Monday, and you can only hope that investigators are able to figure out who planted the bombs and arrest the person or persons responsible. But in the meantime, let's offer a prayer for the victims who were killed or injured.

The identity of the 8-year-old boy killed in the blast was released late Monday night.  Martin Richard was there with his family near the finish line. His mother and 6-year-old sister were seriously injured.

The boy's father released a statement:

"My dear son Martin has died from injuries sustained in the attack on Boston. My wife and daughter are both recovering from serious injuries. We thank our family and friends, those we know and those we have never met, for their thoughts and prayers. I ask that you continue to pray for my family as we remember Martin. We also ask for your patience and for privacy as we work to simultaneously grieve and recover. Thank you."

Also emerging from the tragedy was a handmade sign that Martin made last May when his school organized a "Peace Walk."  His sign read "No More Hurting People.  Peace." How eerie that the little boy would die such a violent death.