On July 7, 2011 in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan seven people were killed by the hands of Rodrick Dantzler. There is no explanation of the motivation to why he did this. I was on my way to Josh's to celebrate our two year Anniversary. We had dinner and when we got back in the car we started listening to the coverage on the events that were unfolding. Josh ended up getting called in to run the board at the WOOD radio. I spent the evening watching videos and reports on WOOD TV. The man had started a police chase on 131 and I-96 during the time Josh and I were having dinner. At one point he was drove into the median and went into oncoming traffic. Two people were shot in the midst of all of this. One of the victims had a metal plate in his face due to having skin cancer and that may have saved his life. Dantzler held three hostages on the east part of Grand Rapids. Hours after negotiating he then shot himself. It was a very sad day of events in Grand Rapids. Applause to the men and women in uniform helping during all this.
A candle light service was held at the Gerald R. Ford Museum. People were lighting candles and making donations. Here are some of those moments
Candles
Mourning friends and family
They lit seven paper lanterns for the seven victims that were killed
The Lanterns in the Grand Rapids Skyline
Grand Rapids is strong. Prayers and thoughts to all those effected by these terrible incidents
~Vanessa M. Martinez
I literally write this with tears running down my face! You have no idea what an inspiration you are to me at this very moment. I sit in my editing suite at school trying to put my Master's project together feeling like I just can't do it. I see your photos and I'm moved to push my work/video to be just as beautiful. You have even grown in your writing. You opening lead is fantastic! I love you so much! I'm thanking God for you at this very moment! XO
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