WESTMORELAND, Tenn. (WTVF) — Neighbors came together this evening to honor the seven people killed in what's been called the deadliest homicide event in Tennessee in at least 20 years.
The outdoor candlelight vigil was set for 7 p.m. at Westmoreland Middle School; this is the same school where the youngest victim 12-year-old Sapphire attended.
“We felt like our town just needed this connection to come and mourned and grieve together but also find strength and courage, said Pastor Duane Garner of New Vision Ministries.
Several members of the community gathered together to pray, sing and hear a sermon in hopes of healing from Saturday’s tragedy.
“We felt like it just needed to be together and not separate in our own homes, churches but all together,” said Garner.
Just days ago, the town learned that seven lives were taken from this small church town.
David and Clara Cummins, Charlie Hosale, Rachel Dawn McGlothlin-Pee --- her daughter 12-year-old Sapphire McGlothlin-Pee, Marsha Elizabeth Nuckols and Shirley B. Fehrle were murdered over the weekend.
Police say the suspect in the case, 25-year-old Michael Cummins, has a history of violent behavior.
“To catch the news of this Saturday was something very unreal, very surprising to a lot of us,” said Pastor David Mitchell with Strong Tower Church.
The gruesome murders robbing the town of its innocence, but today was about remembering the loss and finding light through darkness.
“This affected everybody whether it's somebodies’ friend, a neighbor, it affected all of us,” said Garner
The faithful people of Westmoreland went from being a community to becoming more like a family.
Investigators have not released a possible motive or details on the murder weapon(s). However, the Medical Examiner labeled each death as a homicide, in which some victims died from multiple blunt force injuries and some were sharp force injuries.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help raise money for funeral expenses.
Visitation for David Cummins, Clara Cummins, and Charlie Hosale will be from 10a.m. to 9p.m. on Tuesday, May 7 and their funeral will be together 2p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 at Gilbert Funeral Home.
Visitation for Rachel McGlothlin-Pee, Sapphire McGlothlin-Pee, Marsha Nuckols will be held on Saturday May 4th from 10a.m. to 9p.m. Their funeral will be held on Sunday 2p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to fund the funeral costs.
Previous stories:
- Seven killed in 'deadliest homicide event in Tennessee in at least 20 yrs.'
- Cummins' victim demands policy change after Westmoreland killing spree
- Michael Cummins' family speaks out about discovery of 'bloody and horrific' crime scene
- Probation officer was planning to arrest Michael Cummins the day before the Westmoreland murders
