Wilson Residents Hold Prayer Vigil in Memory of Murder Victims

More than 200 people attended a candlelight prayer vigil Monday evening on the steps of the Wilson County Courthouse in memory of recent murder victims.

Residents say Wilson's image of a small, quiet hometown is changing.

"You just meet one another on the street, and it is a kind of 'Hi, How are you' type of town," says Wilson resident Lauren Dew. "It does something to you emotionally that I don't think you can get over it. There is just a feeling of closeness in the town."

Keith Mooreis accused of murdering his ex-wife and ex-girlfriend, and wounding his 29-month-old son, Brandon last Tuesday. Brandon is in fair condition and out of the pediatric intensive care unit at Pitt Memorial Hospital.

Vigil organizer Maurice Barnes says he knew Moore and was stunned to hear about the allegations.

"Keith grew up in the neighborhood," says vigil organizer Maurice Barnes. "Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined him doing something like this."

Randy Dawson attended the prayer vigil. He worked with Moore.

"When he walked into work, he was cheerful and laughing," he says. "I never thought he would do anything like this."

On September 22, Jerome Worsley allegedly killed his wife, his son and then himself.

Barnes says he remembers a different kind of Wilson when he grew up.

"Things don't have to be this way, but we have got to come together across cultural, ethical, social and class lines to save our community," he says.