Dozens gather for Abitz vigil in Fulton

FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mourners gathered in Fulton to remember the lives of two people killed over the weekend in Boone County.

Cars filled the parking lots of Southside Baptist Church as people gathered for Allison and Jozee Abitz. Church officials did not allow ABC 17 News into the vigil, saying it wanted to respect the privacy of the family.

Friends and colleagues have spent several days sharing stories of the Abitzes since they were found dead on Sunday. Boone County deputies believe JT McLean killed Allison, 43, and Jozee, 11, at their home on Lavender Drive. McLean faces two counts of first-degree murder and has still not been captured.

Some of Allison Abitz's former co-workers at Bush Elementary School in Fulton, one with tears in their eyes, told ABC 17 News that the vigil was a nicely organized event.

Fulton Public Schools superintendent Ty Crain said in a statement this week that Allison Abitz was a "beloved" second grade teacher, and that Jozee was "a friend to all." Jozee Abitz's coach Heather Zepp at Columbia Acro and Tumbling Team said Jozee and Allison had become part of the gym's family.

"[Jozee]'s cute, somewhat mischievous smile would always light up the gym or the competition floor," Zepp said. "I will miss seeing her smile."