Grandfather of Murdered Souderton Girl Speaks at Plymouth Vigil

Hundreds of family members and friends of homicide victims filled the seats of the Plymouth Township auditorium during Tuesday night's Victim Services of Montgomery County Candlelight Vigil, while law enforcement officials lined the perimeter of the room, many in honor of fallen Plymouth Township Police Officer Bradley Fox.

More than 200 people attended the 23rd vigil, organized “in loving memory of all the fallen officers and victims of homicide in Montgomery County,” according to the Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Inc.

Skylar Kauffman’s grandfather, Spencer, spoke about things he loved to do with his only grandchild – taking her to dance class, going to the mall, playing house – before she was brutally killed in 2011 in her Souderton apartment complex.

After almost two years, Kauffman says that he can now control the pain that comes from Skylar’s loss most of the time.

"[The pain] is overwhelming at the beginning; you have to find a way to get through it so you can move forward,” Kauffman said.

Now, Kauffman takes time to focus more on the other people in his life, and appreciating the simple things in life.

District Attorney Risa Ferman and Fist Assistant DA Kevin Steele also addressed the group.

Steele told those in attendance that an “army of law enforcement” works towards seeking justice some element of closure for the families of victims.

The Montgomery County Community College provided music for the event, as well as Sarah Goldbloom, who works for the Whitemarsh Police Department, and Cheryl Goldbloom.

Law enforcement officials read “Law Enforcement Honor Roll,” for officers killed in the line of duty in Montgomery County, which included Fox for the first time. A list of all victims of homicide in Montgomery County was also read.

There was then a slideshow of victims, including Michael SanFelice, who was killed in an accident on the Turnpike in Plymouth Meeting last year.

Montgomery County Commissioner, and former District Attorney, Bruce Castor presented a proclamation to Mary Onama, executive director for the organization.

Onama said that the evening “exemplifies” what Victim Services is all about, and she thanked Plymouth officials for allowing the group to hold the vigil there, in honor of Brad Fox.

Brad Fox Jr., and his mom, Lynsay, were also in attendance.

“We are with you in your grief, sadness and loss,” said Onana  “It touched every single one of us very deeply – we wanted to be sure to recognize that.”