MANCHESTER, CONN. (AP) -- The town manager of Manchester, Conn. says a vigil to remember the victims of a deadly workplace shooting was a "good end to an awful, awful week."
Some 500 people gathered at a community park Sunday night to remember those killed nearly a week ago when a driver at a beer distribution company opened fire on co-workers, killing eight. Omar Thorton then called 911 before killing himself.
Thorton began shooting after he was confronted for stealing beer from the warehouse, and was told to either quit or be fired. Thorton claimed in the 911 call that he and other black employees were mistreated on the job.
Sunday night, mourners lit candles, hugged each other and cried as a violin played. Pastor Carlos Coppin of the First Hispanic Baptist Church offered prayers in English and Spanish.
Leon Thibodeau, who came to mourn friend Bill Ackerman, says Ackerman would have been been proud to see the gathering. Thibodeau says, "He was the nicest guy you could ever meet." He added, "I just really miss my friend."
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
