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News-Sun photo by ED BALDRIDGE Over 1,500 gathered on Saturday as many sought closure in the Aaron Doty case.

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published: Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Doty vigil used to send a message of peace

By ED BALDRIDGE

ed.baldridge@newssun.com

SEBRING -- As the sun set over Firemen's Field, more than 1,500 attended a candlelight vigil for Aaron Doty Saturday night as friends and family members asked for peace.

The crowd was demure as modern music played for those who sought to purchase T-shirts or bumper stickers that said "Justice for Aaron Doty."

Regional TV news cameras recorded the event as those who know Aaron sought closure in the tragic death of the 20-year-old Highlands native.

Family members and youth pastors took the opportunity to make an alter call in remembrance of Doty.

"I could not let this opportunity pass without doing this. Aaron told me once that the one person he wished to see most of all was Jesus," said Jason Robinson, a pastor who explained he helped Aaron make a commitment to Christ.

"All we seek is peace," said uncle Kip Doty, who also asked those in attendance to take a Christian approach to Aaron's death and not seek retaliation on their own.

Aaron's body was discovered last Monday after he was allegedly killed in a fight on Sunday.

Jonathan Ray Rodriguez, 22, and Kenneth Felipe, 19, are facing charges of second degree murder, abuse of a dead human body and tampering with physical evidence after being arrested Wednesday in Orlando in connection to the case.

According to Sheriff Susan Benton, more arrests are pending in the investigation, but none were made by press time on Tuesday.