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La Vernia community mourns 26 killed in Texas church shooting

Investigation to wrap up by Wednesday

LA VERNIA, Texas – This is the time to heal and soon there will be time to rebuild. That’s the message hundreds heard during a vigil in La Vernia for the 26 killed in the Sutherland Springs church shooting Sunday.

About 150 to 200 people from the community and other parts of Texas gathered at La Vernia High School on Tuesday to mourn those killed in the shooting.

Pastors delivered a message of encouragement and shared their hopes for a brighter future ahead of this tragedy.

RELATED: Texas Church Shooting: Sutherland Springs gunman shot 3 times -- twice by citizen

Community members sang and prayed for the lives lost.

“It too will pass. And there's nothing greater than that love of brotherhood and sisterhood that they're showing right now to each other,” Lynn Case, a pastor, said.

Mourners were strengthened by words of comfort and reminded of the higher being they serve. Many traveled for hours to come and show their love.

LATEST NEWS ON TEXAS CHURCH SHOOTING 

“It affects all of us here in Texas. These are our people,” said Laurie Dierlam, with Faith Family Church.

The victims and first responders who are still dealing with the tragedy were at the center of the prayers.

“I’m just happy to see the community come to support each other in a crappy time,” Jessica Hempworth said.

RELATED: Texas Church Shooting: Mother killed while trying to protect children from gunfire

Investigators are expecting to wrap up their investigation by sometime Wednesday, but the healing will take time. Religious leaders said they will be there for the community every step of the way.

Continuing coverage on KSAT.com:

Photos, videos from Sutherland Springs church shooting scene 

Pastor says victims in church shooting 'were believers, with their Lord and savior right now'

Reactions pour in following mass shooting at church in Sutherland Springs, Texas 

New details about victims, gunman released in First Baptist Church shooting

Men shot at, chased after Sutherland Springs church shooter 

Vigil held outside First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs 

Wilson County Sheriff: 'No way' for people to escape church shooting 

A look inside Sutherland Springs' First Baptist Church before mass shooting


About the Author
Patty Santos headshot

Patty Santos joined the KSAT 12 News team in July 2017. She has a proven track record of reporting on hard-hitting news that affects the community.

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