“We really felt the need to get the community together,” Bellbrook City Manager Melissa Dodd said. “It’s been a pretty rough few days.”
This tragedy hits close to home for many people who live in Bellbrook, which is where the gunman and his sister were from.
“I work at the high school so I remember both of them,” Bellbrook High School teach Nancy Sumner said.
Megan’s friend, Olivia Keller is in disbelief.
>> Oregon District shooting: 911 calls describe fearful moments after chaos breaks out
“I was in marching band and color-guard with Megan. She was one of the seniors that really taught me everything,” she said.
The city’s Chaplain even shared some words of comfort.
“Let love guide the day. There’s wounds that need to be bound up,” Bellbrook Chaplain Eric Meade said. “Just takes time, time and hugs.”
The theme of the support gathering was to hug your neighbor, and there were lots of them.
UPDATE @ 8:40 p.m.: Hundreds attended the city of Bellbrook's community support event to remember the victims of the Dayton shooting in the city's Oregon District.
News Center 7's Monica Castro will have more tonight at 11.
EARLIER REPORT
The City of Bellbrook is coming together for a community support gathering following a mass shooting in Dayton’s Oregon District.
>> Dayton Shooting: 5 things to know about Dayton shooter Connor Betts
Connor Betts, 24, of Bellbrook, opened fire while outside of Ned Peppers on East Fifth Street early Sunday morning.
One of the nine people killed included his younger sister, Megan Betts.
The public is welcomed to gather at Bellbrock Park from 7 to 8 p.m.
>> Dayton Shooting: Motive still unclear; shooter had 250 rounds of ammunition
The police chief, city manager and other city leaders will be present to talk to the community and offer support to one another.