COLORADO SPRINGS — Some people in Colorado Springs continue mourning the recent discoveries about a 19-year old girl who vanished nearly ten years ago.
On Wednesday, a Vigil for Hope & Justice was held outside of the El Paso County Courthouse, honoring the life of Kara Nichols.
Michelle Bart, the Spokesperson for Nichols' family and President, Co-Founder of National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation (NWCAVE), flew to Colorado Springs from Washington state for the court appearance of the man accused of murdering Nichols. Joel Hollendorfer faces First Degree Murder charges.
Bart spoke with Nichols' parents after Hollendorfer's hearing.
"They feel like every second we're in court after the finding of their daughter, it's pouring salt into the wound."
In February 2022, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office announced they had found Nichols' remains buried on a property in Black Forest, which records show belongs to Hollendorfer's mother.
The arrest affidavit for Hollendorfer says his ex-wife claim's his parents "knew he killed her and was covering for him."
Brooke Bohatch was friend with Nichols, and says she viewed her as a big sister.
"What he did was horrible, what his family did was horrible and it's wrong."
Hollendorfer is scheduled for another Status hearing on April 27 at 3:00 pm.
Previous Coverage:
- Hollendorfer waives right to speedy trial in Kara Nichols case
- Retired Detective reacts to arrest affidavit in Kara Nichols case
- Kara Nichols' friend reacts to latest developments in case
- Kara Nichols cause of death identified as strangulation, autopsy report shows
- Police confirm remains of Kara Nichols found, 10 years after she went missing
- Affidavit reveals new details regarding events leading up to Kara Nichols disappearance
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