A vigil at the Santa Fe Plaza brought together friends, family, and community members to honor Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old from New Mexico who was killed last week. “We also gather with deep respects for the Blessing family who are enduring an unimaginable grief no family could ever have to carry,” Michael Angelo D’Arrigo, President of the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance said. Attendees filled the plaza to pay tribute to Blessing. “We have to take trauma that comes from these emotions and realize that trauma, that grief, really comes from love,” Kevin Bowen, Executive Director of the Santa Fe Human Alliance said. Blessing was found dead last week in a laundry room at the University of Washington after police said they were stabbed dozens of times. “We gather as people of many faiths, many identities, many backgrounds, and many understandings of the sacred, yet united in the simple truth that every human life possesses inherent dignity,” a D’Arrigo said. “Everyone is going to deal with it in a very different way,” Bowen said. “The key is we can’t forget,” Bowen added. Blessing had recently moved to Seattle to study atmospheric science, with minors in philosophy and music. They previously studied for four years at the New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe. “Too many in our community live with the knowledge that violence, rejection, and hatred remain real forces in our world,” a D’Arrigo said. Attendees left notes for the family, and Blessing’s favorite flower was laid out on a blanket. “Tonight we refuse to allow fear or cruelty to have the final word. We stand here together, together to proclaim that Juniper’s life mattered,” D’Arrigo said. In the midst of heartbreak, loved ones gathered to honor Blessing and the life they leave behind. “When you say that someone was the kindest person you’ve ever known, you say that when they pass away. But with Juniper, it’s something you really mean,” a friend of Juniper’s speaking to the crowd said. “I hope that some of the anger that people have about the situation is turned into love, compassion, and action,” Bowen said.Police have since detained a suspect: 31-year-old Chris Leyhee who turned himself in. A judge setting a $10 million bail. Police, at this time, have not established a motive for the killing. Investigators say they do not believe this was a hate crime so far. Leyhee will appear in court tomorrow and prosecutors have until then to file formal charges against him.
A vigil at the Santa Fe Plaza brought together friends, family, and community members to honor Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old from New Mexico who was killed last week.
“We also gather with deep respects for the Blessing family who are enduring an unimaginable grief no family could ever have to carry,” Michael Angelo D’Arrigo, President of the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance said.
Attendees filled the plaza to pay tribute to Blessing.
“We have to take trauma that comes from these emotions and realize that trauma, that grief, really comes from love,” Kevin Bowen, Executive Director of the Santa Fe Human Alliance said.
Blessing was found dead last week in a laundry room at the University of Washington after police said they were stabbed dozens of times.
“We gather as people of many faiths, many identities, many backgrounds, and many understandings of the sacred, yet united in the simple truth that every human life possesses inherent dignity,” a D’Arrigo said.
“Everyone is going to deal with it in a very different way,” Bowen said.
“The key is we can’t forget,” Bowen added.
Blessing had recently moved to Seattle to study atmospheric science, with minors in philosophy and music. They previously studied for four years at the New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe.
“Too many in our community live with the knowledge that violence, rejection, and hatred remain real forces in our world,” a D’Arrigo said.
Attendees left notes for the family, and Blessing’s favorite flower was laid out on a blanket.
“Tonight we refuse to allow fear or cruelty to have the final word. We stand here together, together to proclaim that Juniper’s life mattered,” D’Arrigo said.
In the midst of heartbreak, loved ones gathered to honor Blessing and the life they leave behind.
“When you say that someone was the kindest person you’ve ever known, you say that when they pass away. But with Juniper, it’s something you really mean,” a friend of Juniper’s speaking to the crowd said.
“I hope that some of the anger that people have about the situation is turned into love, compassion, and action,” Bowen said.
Police have since detained a suspect: 31-year-old Chris Leyhee who turned himself in. A judge setting a $10 million bail. Police, at this time, have not established a motive for the killing. Investigators say they do not believe this was a hate crime so far. Leyhee will appear in court tomorrow and prosecutors have until then to file formal charges against him.
