Vigil Held For Wayland Teen Allegedly Murdered By Ex-Boyfriend
WAYLAND (CBS) - Hundreds gathered at a church on Monday night, as a community stunned and saddened by the murder of a Wayland teenager remembered her life.
Those in attendance hugged each other and shed tears for 18-year-old Lauren Astley, who was killed last week by her ex-boyfriend Nate Fujita, according to police.
"There's some things that are private griefs, and there are other things that I think become public greifs," said Pastor Lou Soiles of Trinitarian Congregational Church.
Astley's death has created a heart-wrenching public grief in Wayland.
WBZ-TV's Bill Shields reports.
"Sometimes when you're hearing someone else process grief, it gives you words or ways of processing your own grief," said Pastor Soiles.
The murder rattled a town that has seldom seen such tragedy.
"It's a good chance for people to look at how they're taking care of each other's needs, or not. This is the opportunity," said Malcom Astley, Lauren's father.
At the candlelight vigil, friends of both kids talked, and prayed.
"At times like this it's important, especially for Wayland as almost like a sheltered community. These things do happen. Just to come together in prayer," said Davis Spinale, a classmate.
Afterward, many said this would help start the healing process.
"Something that's always going to be hard to understand, but it's comforting to come together with other people," said Kelly Bishop, a friend.
A memorial service will be held for Astley this Saturday in Wayland.
