Memorial to be held for murder victims

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Grand Rapids community members will have a chance this weekend to remember and honor seven people killed in a shooting rampage.

The memorial, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday in front of the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids, was organized by Chris Crandle of Rockford.

Crandle told 24 Hour News 8 in a phone conversation that "it's important for the Grand Rapids community to come together, especially in light of what happened on July 7th."

Crandle is referring to the multiple murders commited by Roderick Dantzler who shot and killed his wife Jennifer Heeren; their daughter Kamrie; his wife's parents, Thomas and Rebecca Heerne; his former girlfriend Kimberlee Emkens; her sister Amanda Emkens; and Amanda's daughter, Marissa.

Dantzler then killed himself following a standoff with police.

Crandle said the memorial event will "allow victims' family members to speak their loved ones' names and light a candle in their memory. The Grand Rapids community needs to heal in light of what happened. Family members and neighbors, anyone is welcome to come. ... They can bring a picture of their loved one and say their name."

Crandle will also remember her friend, Renee Pagel, who was stabbed to death at her Kent County home in 2006.

"Her case is still unsolved," said Crandle.

Pagel's estranged husband, Michael Pagel, was considered to be a suspect by Kent County sheriff's detectives investigating the case, but no arrests have been made.

The memorial has been held in Johnson Park in the past. Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell is expected to speak briefly at Sunday's event, according to Crandle.

September 25 is the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. It was first observed on Sept. 25, 2007.