Tyler Clementi Suicide: Twin Vigils Held for Rutgers Student
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBS/WCBS) The sound of silence was resonating across the tri-state area Sunday night in the wake of Tyler Clementi's suicide.
Hundreds gathered at twin tributes for the Rutgers student - one in the heart of the university's campus, and the other in rainy Manhattan, reports CBS station WCBS.
Emotions ranged from sadness and concern to outrage at the candlelight vigil on the Rutgers campus, where attendees made calls for compassion.
For 15 minutes, not one word was spoken at Brower Commons in New Brunswick, where a crowd of several hundred remembered Tyler Clementi, reports WCBS.
"It's just sad someone could be going through so much pain on campus," Rutgers student Danika Ali told the station. "Nobody really knew the depth of his sadness."
The 18-year-old freshman jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge on September 22. His suicide came days after his roommate allegedly streamed video online of him with another man in his dorm room.
Clementi was a gifted violinist described by friends as quiet and kind.
Dharun Ravi, the roommate, and classmate Molly Wei, both 18, are charged with invasion of privacy. More serious bias charges could come later as a debate over bullying rages.
New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn led a second vigil in a rainy Washington Square Park. "You send a clear message to those ignorant individuals, who are bullies, that they are not in the mainstream," Quinn said.
Quinn told a crowd that included Governor David Paterson that now is the time for peace, healing and the pursuit of justice - and that young people in crisis need to know they are not alone.
Clementi's family members, who were not present at the vigils, have requested privacy. Last week, a family statement said the funeral will be private.
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF TYLER CLEMENTI ON CRIMESIDER
ALSO ON CRIMESIDER
