TAYLOR, Mich. – More than 400 people came to offer their sympathies and their support to the Watson and Nowling families after 7-year-old Emma Watson Nowling was killed and her mother seriously hurt after a family friend opened fire on the two after Emma’s soccer practice last week.
The gunman, Timothy Obeshaw, then turned the gun on himself.
Police say they have no motive other than that Obeshaw had mental problems.
The shooting devastated the family and stunned the community. Hundreds gathered to light candles and say prayers for the family.
Sharon Watson Nowling, Emma’s mother, is making progress at the hospital.
Emma’s teammates signed a shirt for the family, and the Taylor Police Department made Emma an honorary police officer after they learned the little girl had asked for handcuffs for Christmas, because she wanted to be police officer when she grew up.
Her grandmother, Pam Watson, was overwhelmed by the show of support.
“It’s amazing. The texts, the calls, the emails, the donations,” Watson said. “It gives me comfort that as a community we came together.”