POSTED: Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010

Residents gather in vigil for slain Mount Baker girl

Friends tearfully embracing, candles flickering against a darkened night and somber stares - these were the scenes of a vigil for Felicity Boonstra held Wednesday night, Jan. 13.

More than 100 people gathered at Kendall Elementary School at the vigil for Boonstra, who was shot to death last week in the 600 block of Sprague Valley Drive in what police have determined to be a murder-suicide.

Boonstra, 14, was an eighth-grader at Mount Baker Junior High School. Her mother, Rebecca, was also shot but survived. Police say the shooter, Rebecca's boyfriend and Whatcom County Planning Commissioner Sean D. Wilson, then turned the gun on himself.

After listening to presentations from advocates against domestic violence in the school's gymnasium, the residents moved outside, where they lighted the candles and gathered for a moment of silence that was punctured only by soft sobbing.

For all the sadness, however, the advocates encouraged people to take a positive impact from it - working to end domestic violence.

"It is a challenge to see the light when we're feeling sad," said Liz Stuart, program director with Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County. "Felicity brought us here. Let us honor her by doing something different."

Residents were encouraged to make use of the resources offered by DVSAS, Womencare Shelter and the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence.

These resources include advocacy for victims, a 24-hour crisis line, help in attaining protection orders, support groups and community education, DVSAS Executive Director Karen Burke said.

"This is about action and what we can do from this," said Andrea Cary-Grant, the commission's director. "This evening is the start of that healing. We can't bring Felicity back but maybe we can do something to make a difference."

COMING SUNDAY

Why do people stay in abusive relationships? In a special column, Jenn Mason, development director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County, explains the factors - from fear to hope for change - that keep people in abusive situations. To better understand what goes on in such relationships, and how you may be able to help someone caught in one, see the Opinion section Sunday, Jan. 17.