Bradyn Dillon has been described as a "beautiful, gentle soul", whose senseless death has devastated his entire family.
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The eight-year-old was allegedly murdered by his father, Graham Dillon, 37, in a Gungahlin suburb on Monday night.
The killing has shocked the Jacka neighbourhood, with close to 60 residents expressing their grief at a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night.
But it is the child's family and friends who are struggling the most to grapple with the loss of a boy so young.
Bradyn's auntie, Karissa Simpson, was trying to find a way to get to Canberra as soon as possible.
"Everyone loved [Bradyn]," Mrs Simpson said.
"He was the most kind, beautiful, gentle soul.
"He loved lizards... he loved BMX riding. He loved school."
The family, she said, had been told little detail of what had happened.
She said her nephew was a happy, loving child, who would not hurt a fly.
"He was a great kid, the gentlest soul," Mrs Simpson said.
"He would get along with anyone, would want to help anyone."
Mrs Simpson, sister of the accused, said other relatives were also preparing to travel to Canberra this week.
She said news that her brother had been accused of the murder had left her "completely shocked".
The father faced the ACT Magistrates Court briefly on Tuesday morning, appearing stunned and dazed.
He was charged with the murder. No pleas were entered and the case is expected to return to court in March.
Police say the son was rushed to hospital after the attack, but died later that night.
They are continuing their homicide investigation and are asking for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Still coming to terms with the news, Jacka residents gathered for a candlelit vigil outside the property on Wednesday night.
They will come together each night at 8pm until Monday to honour Bradyn's memory.
Young children placed flowers and teddy bears on the nature strip with their parents by their side.
The mood was sombre, with many shedding tears and hugging family members.
Nikita Picker, a 13-year-old girl who lives in Jacka, began to cry when she placed a handwritten note alongside candles and flowers.
"I came here to show my respects to the little boy," she said.
"I didn't know him personally but I met him once or twice. In my note I told him he was safe now and no one would hurt him."
Michael Job, who said he had known the boy's family for seven years, will travel from Gowrie in Canberra's south every night this week to pay his respects.
"He was a well behaved boy that was always happy and never caused any trouble," he said.
"It was excellent to see so many people come along tonight. It just shows that people out there still care"
Shemee Caldwell, 20, said she felt it was important to show her support for the local community.
"It is good that everyone has come together," she said. "Hopefully more people will come by during the week and the pile of flowers will only grow."
Another neighbour, Michelle Woods, remembered Bradyn as a boy who was always surrounded by kids.
"He was always playing in the middle of the kids; he was always on his bike. He was a happy chappy," she said.
Bradyn was to attend her son's birthday party on Saturday. She said her son was too distraught to attend school on Tuesday.
"It's hard to explain it them."
Ms Woods said her family would be keeping a candle in their front window for the rest of the month to pay their respect to Bradyn.
"It is good to see the community coming together in memory of him and keeping his spirit alive," she said.
Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information that could assist the investigation and has not yet spoken to them, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or at act.crimestoppers.com.au.
