Hundreds attend vigil for slain teacher and student
Hundreds joined together for song and prayer at North Park Elementary in San Bernardino, remembering the lives of 8-year-old Jonathan Martinez and educator Karen Smith, who were killed on Monday. They were victims of an apparent murder-suicide at the school perpetrated by Smith’s husband.
Read: Teacher and child shot to death in elementary school classroom
“We have to remind ourselves we have a job to do in their honor. Lets make sure to honor both of them by doing what’s right. Continue to love, and enjoy and work with each other. Encourage everybody just to be good citizens,” said Dr. Margaret Hill, a board member for the San Bernardino City School District.
Many in the crowd were students at North Park Elementary. Some said what happened on Monday was a terrifying experience.
View family photos of Jonathan Martinez
“Me and my teacher looked out the window and saw the kids running. My teacher went outside the door and the principal said go back inside,” said Elijah Amos, a student at North Park Elementary. “I was worried because we were all on the floor under our tables.”
Parents brought their children in hopes to starting the process of moving on.
“I needed my son to have closure, and to show them that we need to support this school because this is a really good school,” said Laura Amos, Elijah’s mother.
The crowd was filled with educators and also some members of Smith’s family fighting back tears on the solemn night.
“Oh my goodness it has been devastating. Every time I think about Karen, she was a beautiful person so it’s hard for the children as well,” said Mary Fields, Smith’s cousin by marriage. Fields also worked with Smith as a teacher.
The school district will continue to offer counseling to students and faculty. The other child who was shot in the classroom is recovering well at Loma Linda Hospital.
JOE GALLI IS ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
VIDEO FOR THIS REPORT WAS GATHERED BY PHOTOJOURNALIST CHRIS TARPENING.
