HANOVER, VA (WWBT) - An incredibly emotional evening on Tuesday, as hundreds of people come out for a vigil to remember twin 3-year-old girls murdered by their own dad. That dad also took his own life.
It all happened on Saturday afternoon. Just a few days later, the community is still trying to come to grips with it all.
There was not a spot open on the front lawn where little Caroline and Madison used to play. Not a dry eye, either.
The community gathering together, to pray as one, to mourn the loss of the twin 3-year-old girls.
"It's a tragedy but a lot of people came out to show their love and support and I think that's great," said Lori Dillon. She is friends of the family. Her grandson lives next door to the girls' home.
"My grandson would come down here weekly and play with the girls. They'd ride bikes up and down the driveway," added Lori.
Now there's a void in his heart and the hearts of so many Hanover families-- whether or not these people knew Caroline and Madison.
The girls' mom cried on Tuesday night and hugged the hundreds of people here supporting her.
"That shows that the neighbors are here for her and it's not something that's going to be forgotten," said Sarah Carrillo.
Before the vigil -- the make-shift memorial for the girls was covering just a few front steps to the home where the girls were killed. By the end of the vigil, there was hardly any room for anything else. In fact, the memorial is now overflowing onto the walkway before the stairs
"I think that now the girls are looking down, smiling and giggling," said Marsha Boyce-Rider.
Watching as the balloons slowly float toward them in heaven, and looking down at the swings they loved, swaying peacefully and quietly in the wind.
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