By SHANE FARLEY and BEVIN PIKE About 100 people gathered Friday night at Grace Pointe Assembly of God Church in Winfield for a candlelight vigil honoring the victims of last week’s shooting that left six members of a family dead.
The gathering at the church, 902 E. Seventh Ave., included music, prayers from several people for the family and a candlelight vigil as the community continued to grapple with the Aug. 11 tragedy.
“We hope tonight will be a night where people put arms around one another, and encourage one another, lift one another up,” Grace Pointe Pastor Nathan Cook said. “We believe in the word. And the word says, ‘Bear one another’s burdens.’
“It’s a dark week, and this is a blow to our community. We want to bring light to the darkness.” Continue story below ad.
Authorities say Ronald Williams Sr. shot and killed five members of his family at a Winfield home in the 400 block of West Ninth Ave. before killing himself. The victims included four children. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said Friday that they believe the children’s mother was also involved in planning the killings.
Friday’s vigil focused on supporting those grieving and giving the broader community a place to come together.
“You don’t have to know the family to be affected by what has happened,” said Kendall Cook, who attended the vigil.
Those gathered prayed for the family and community before taking part in the candlelight vigil.
