Community came together to remember 10 years since Somer Thompson's death
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Dozens of people are coming together 10 years later to remember Somer Thompson. Loved ones and strangers came together in support of her family at the site where she was killed on Sunday. It's an area that's since transformed into a peaceful community space called Somer's Garden. They remember the countless search parties and endless prayers, all leading up to when Clay deputies discovered her remains. The large group came together in prayer with dozens and dozens of candles lighting up Somer's Garden.
'Angelversary' vigil 10 years after Somer Thompson's death
ORANGE PARK, Fla. - Somer Thompson's mother, Diena Thompson, is hosting a vigil Sunday to mark what she calls the 10-year "angelversary." It will be held at 6:45 p.m. at Somers Garden at 1152 Gano Ave. in Orange Park. That location is now a garden, it's also the site where Somer was killed. The candlelight vigil will be at 6:45 p.m. The home on that property was burned down and transformed into a community garden in Somer's memory.
Former Clay County Sheriff: Child killer was 'following girls'
Beseler credits the training as the reason they were able to find Somer's body so quickly and catch her killer. Three days after Somer vanished, her body was discovered among the trash taken from a dumpster behind a Clay County restaurant -- the same restaurant where her killer worked. Since Somer's body was discovered in Georgia, it was outside Beseler's jurisdiction. "We were afraid he would harm another child," Beseler said. "He will die in prison, and he will never harm another child again," Beseler said.
Remembering Somer 10 years after Orange Park girl's murder
ORANGE PARK, Fla. - The abduction and murder of 7-year-old Somer Thompson 10 years ago gripped not only Orange Park but our entire region, leaving a lasting scar on the community. In the years after Somer's murder, her mother Diena Thompson, took possession of Harrell's former home. It was Somer Thompson. They said the most emotional time came later, when they had the chance to meet Diena Thompson. While Diena Thompson remembers her daughter's sweet temperament and loving personality, she also thinks about one day seeing her again, in heaven.