FREDERICK – The memorial began late Wednesday night with one cross and two stuffed animals.
Every hour since then, the tribute to three lives cut far too short has grown, added to by friends and neighbors of Shanann Watts, the teachers of 3-year-old Celeste and 4-year-old Bella, and people who have never met them but were touched by a tragedy that’s received media coverage from around the world.
Shanann, Celeste and Bella Watts were reported missing on Monday. Their bodies were found on Thursday. Friday night was the first time the community held a vigil in honor of the beloved family.
Dozens of people gathered outside of their Frederick home with messages of love, holding candles in their hands.
There were no speakers and people simply held hands and hugged.
It wasn’t a night to look for answers about why. It wasn’t a night to focus on the man who is accused of killing his wife and two young daughters.
Shanann Watts was 15 weeks pregnant when she was killed. A gender reveal party was scheduled for later in the week, and one longtime friend said she was having a little boy.
