Hundreds Gather for Prayer Vigil in Memory of Menifee Boy
Well over 1,000 people from throughout Menifee and surrounding communities packed the parking lot of Menifee Market tonight to pay their ...
http://www.menifee247.com/2013/07/hundreds-gather-for-prayer-in-memory-of-menifee-boy.html
Well over 1,000 people from throughout Menifee and surrounding communities packed the parking lot of Menifee Market tonight to pay their respects and pray for the soul of 11-year-old Terry Dewayne Smith Jr., whose body police believe is the one found in a shallow grave in the family's back yard this morning.
Lighting candles, carrying blue balloons and exchanging hugs and prayers, residents gathered in a show of community support most agree has never been seen here before.
"I'm so proud of my community," said Crystal Young, a Menifee resident who said she chose to raise her children here and has never regretted it.
"I'm so blessed to see this, even though it breaks my heart," said her friend, Sheila Hunt. "I feel blessed, I'm angry and I'm overwhelmed. Hopefully, something good will come out of this."A pastor from Terry's home congregation of Revival Church in Menifee addressed the crowd, especially the hundreds of volunteers who spent countless hours searching a 55-square-mile area for the boy.
"Your effort was not in vain," he said, "if it was done in love. If we are God's creation, any of us who show care and compassion for another pleases God. I'm honored and humbled to see the response of this community."
Menifee resident Bill Gillette, one of several coordinators of a huge volunteer search effort the last four days, thanked everyone for their support.
"This community came together like nothing I've ever seen," Gillette said. "The outpouring of love for JuJu (Terry's nickname) is incredible. That love will continue."
Dozens of blue and orange balloons were released into the sky in memory of the boy, who was remembered by both young and old.
"We're here to help others and obey the law of the pack, like we're supposed to do," Reeves said. "In doing so, we're here to be of service for anyone who needs it.
"We came out and did a search and rescue yesterday. Today I let the boys know that they found Terry and he's in heaven now. It's a sad day when you have to be fearful."
Although many expressed shock and anger that a 16-year-old family member believed to be Terry's half brother was arrested for his murder, they were comforted by the tremendous outpouring of love and devotion displayed tonight.
"Ninety five percent of these people didn't even know him," said Kirsten Puhl, who drove from Temecula to take part in the vigil. "Nothing is stronger than community."
"You don't expect something like this to happen to anyone's child," said Brittany Bassett of Wildomar. "But I'm not surprised at the big turnout. I'm more proud of this community than anything."
R.I.P little JuJu. Your in a better place now bud. I still can’t believe the outcome of this all the searches volunteers who searched a 55 miles radius and it was just feet from his backyard. Makes me wondering if his body was there the whole 4 days. I’m sorry but its hard for me to believe that it was there the whole time when they had everyone (Volunteers, Law Enforcement, Dogs, Horses, other vehicle searching for him) also why wouldn’t the family let Law Enforcement enter the home to do a search initially they had to go and obtain a search warrant. How sad
ReplyDeleteJuJu you will be missed R.I.P
yep thats right
DeleteUNANSWERED QUESTIONS >>>>> I wonder why ?? ... so many questions seem unanswered, nothing is concrete about the body or who really did this horrible thing ... why did the mother act like she did? ... Not allowing the police to search the area around the home ?? WHY ??? No remorse and no cooperation with the law ??... WHY?? so many unanswered ...
DeleteRest in peace juju. Your safe now, and menifee did its bsst for you ♥
ReplyDeleteThere has been National attention lately focusing on the final victory for many people in "alternative" lifestyle relationships to once and for all gain equal rights. With those rights come RESPONSIBILITIES! Let's not overlook the fact peeps - there are THREE parents here. The Dad in another State and the two women living on Helen Street in Menifee who have been in a "relationship" for years! So where was the other "partner" during all of this? Shawna is not the Lone Ranger here and it would seem her "partner" chose to remain in the background. She has a name. She played a role. She was involved. She shares ALL of the responsibilities attached to that family unit! For the sake of the remaining children, parents should both be standing side-by-side, united, publicly and in the "privacy" they are seeking.
ReplyDeleteHundreds of people, many of them strangers from far way, stood up for this little boy - these two parents need to do the same!
http://www.balloonhq.com/faq/deco_releases.html
ReplyDeleteThe strings on those balloons should have been cut before releasing them...I care about the child and the event has affected me. But still should not lose sight on the environment surrounding us. I read in post that someone said who cares about the environment. I understand people are reacting with strong emotion and not thinking of the potential impact of a balloon release with the strings still attached. I disagree with that part. Perhaps the above link will provide some education to those who don't understand or care enough about our environment to think ahead.