Days after the horrific murders of two people at a popular gym in Coral Gables, several dozen people gathered to mourn the victims.
The deaths of Janine Ackerman and Marios Hortis still weigh heavy on the hearts of those who knew them, those who saw them in passing and some who never said a word to them.
The pair was shot to death at the Equinox gym at the Shops of Merrick Park Saturday at the hands of a former trainer, Abeku Wilson, police said.
"It's been a lot harder than people imagine. They've had to provide them with grief counselors,” said Angie Sanchez, an acquaintance of the victims. Sanchez said she attended the Thursday night vigil to remember the victims and to console her friend who works at the gym. "Just to know that this happened at a place I frequent as well as it affecting people I care about, is one of the reasons why I came,” Sanchez said. There were tears and hugs at the evening vigil.
Earlier, the Baptist Health Gables Run Club also dedicated its weekly run to the Ackerman and Hortis. The runners held a moment of silence for the gym victims.
"We just want to show our condolences and support and help everybody heal," said runner Raquel Spelios.
The gunman had been fired the same day he shot and killed the victims, police said.
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"We have to lean on each other through this and it's definitely made the community stronger in a lot of ways," said Sanchez.
