ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, May 13, 1996 TAG: 9605130139
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: HARRISONBURG
SOURCE: DAVID REED ASSOCIATED PRESS
At a memorial service Sunday for Alicia Reynolds, speakers said they were angry, bitter and at a loss. But they also professed the belief that God would allow good to prevail, and pleaded for a peaceful response from frightened residents in the region where Reynolds was abducted.
Reynolds had been missing two months before her body was found Tuesday in Culpeper County.
``We have been betrayed,'' her aunt, Shirley Showalter, told 1,200 people who packed a church sanctuary and nearby rooms where the service was shown on monitors.
Even the pastor of the Mennonite church where Reynolds was baptized and married said the slaying has shaken the pacifist congregation's faith.
``We have a bitter complaint to lay before you,'' Edward Stoltzfus said in his opening prayer after pausing to control his emotions. ``We simply do not understand why Alicia was caught in such a vicious and violent evil. Where were you in this tragedy?''
But, Showalter said, ``We have read in the news that because of this case many people are buying guns. Alicia would not want that. The family does not want that. We believe in another way. We believe that the way to fight violence is to drop weapons and hold hands.''
After everyone in the church held the hands of those beside them, she added, ``We fight evil by loving each other and, even more, by building relationships across the boundaries that separate us.''
Harley Showalter, the victim's father, said, ``In your memory, Alicia, I pray that trust in humankind may be maintained.''
Harley Showalter said he hoped clues would be found that lead to an arrest. The family will hold a private burial after the body is released from the medical examiner's office.
Sunday, ministers and family members recalled the life and good works of the 25-year-old victim.
A few hours after the Mother's Day service, Shirley Showalter recounted the joyful pastimes Reynolds will never experience. ``And just as sadly, neither will her children, because she will never be the mother she planned to be,'' she said.
LENGTH: Short : 48 linesby CNB