Arlington Shooting Victims Remembered At Vigil
ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - On Tuesday night, authorities say that Barnes Nettles shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, Kimberly Carter, and police officer Jillian Smith at the Arbrook Park apartment complex in Arlington, before turning the gun on himself.
Neighbors of Carter gathered Thursday night outside of the apartment unit where the shooting took place to hold a candlelight vigil. "A lot of people are sad, but it's kind of an uplifting feeling, too," said 14-year-old Jullian Hernandez, who played his guitar and sang for those who gathered.
The candlelight vigil was organized by the apartment complex's management. "It was imperative for us to plan something in light of this tragedy, to let it be known we are a community," said Arbrook Park employee Ernest Baylor.
Residents said that they wanted to honor the women who had died, and show support for the families as well. "Show that we're concerned and we care, and we're sad with them," said Luzell Bell, a resident at the Arbrook Park apartment complex.
The appearance of dozens moved Carter's family to tears. "It's beautiful," said Charlie Washington, brother of the 29-year-old victim. "I really respect the fact that a lot of people came out here to show their love for our sister."
Members from the Arlington Police Department attended the vigil as well, tolling a bell in memory of Smith, who died while responding to a report about a domestic assault incident involving Carter. Smith's final act, police said, was protecting Carter's 11-year-old daughter from Nettles.
A wake will be held for Carter at Golden Gate Funeral Home in Fort Worth Friday. A memorial service will be held the next day. Carter's body will be buried in Mississippi.
Smith's funeral will be held Tuesday in Arlington.
