Raleigh mayor announces Sunday vigil to honor 5 Hedingham shooting victims
Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin announced the "Raleigh Healing Together" vigil, which is planned for 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the plaza in front of the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at 2 East South St.
"We are inviting the public to come and join us, as we come together to reflect, remember and honor the lives of those we've lost," Baldwin said.
Baldwin said elected leaders and a diverse group of community-faith leaders will attend the vigil.
"There's nothing more powerful than seeing a community come together, so please come if you're able," Baldwin said.
The city has also set up a new email raleighhealingtogether@raleighnc.gov for anyone seeking support or wants to provide support.
On Monday, Police Chief Estella Patterson provided an update on the Oct. 13 shooting. Patterson said she met with officer Gabriel Torres' widow.
"I met with Ms. Torres this past Sunday, and she asked that I share her gratitude for all this community has done to honor the life of Officer Torres, and to support her, her daughter and their family," Patterson said.
Patterson said the suspected gunman remains in critical condition. Patterson said victim Marcille "Lynn" Gardner remains hospitalized but is improving, and officer Casey Clark is "doing well," after being treated and released on Oct. 13.
"As with any officer-involved shooting, the State Bureau of Investigation is taking the lead in the investigation of the officers who discharged their weapons," Patterson said.
It's still not clear if the officers' shots hit the suspect.
Raleigh police said information about the weapons is part of their ongoing investigation. A five-day report with a detailed timeline and narrative is expected as soon as Thursday.
On Tuesday, Raleigh resident Megan Patton spoke before the Raleigh City Council to discuss gun violence prevention.
"We've seen our community be wrecked and ravaged," Patton said. "Hedingham will heal, but it will never be the same."
As a memorial at the entrance to the Hedingham neighborhood continues to mount with letters, flowers and personal tributes, councilmembers recognized how the tragedy is impacting the community, opening up a conversation about next steps to address gun violence.
Tuesday's Raleigh City Council began with a moment of remembrance for the five lives lost: an off-duty Raleigh police officer, Gabriel Torres, 29, who was on his way to work when he was shot; James Roger Thompson, 16, a junior at Knightdale High School; Mary Marshall, 34; Nicole Connors, 52, and Susan Karnatz, 49.
The Oct. 13 mass shooting has prompted many to push for more gun laws, urging the city council to take available actions to stop gun violence.
New police radio traffic indicates Austin Thompson, the 15-year-old suspect in the mass shooting, had multiple guns. Sources tell WRAL News the teenager had at least two of them.
