Your Voice Your Community

Actions

Victims in Father’s Day murder-suicide laid to rest

Posted at 11:33 PM, Jun 22, 2014
and last updated 2014-06-22 23:33:47-04

NOTTOWAY COUNTY, Va. -- Friends and family grieved Sunday as the three victims of a Father's Day murder-suicide were laid to rest at a memorial service in Nottoway County.

Tears flowed at the funeral procession as three hearses carried the caskets of Renotta Jernigan and her two children, Seth and Alexis.

The three were shot and killed by Chris Jernigan a week ago in their Chesterfield home, according to police. A friend of the victim told CBS 6 News last week that a pending divorce may have been a motive for the crime.

Inspirational songs were played in the church, and words were said to attempt to restore strength and bring closure over the tragedy. Still, Sunday was a tough day for everyone.

"There are no words... only pain," the minister said during the service.

Friends and family said they are grateful for the strong sense of community support.

Chris Hendricks, who has known the family for several years, said there is a sense among those who gathered to live in honor of those whose lives were lost.

"All you have to do is keep faith," Hendricks said. "That's all you can do at this point."