NORTH BATTLEFORD – A vigil is planned Sunday for Gregory Cope whose body was found by police in the debris of a house fire in Battleford on Feb. 27.
Thirty-two-year-old Cope was reported as missing to Battlefords RCMP on Feb. 21. Police are investigating his death as a homicide.
The vigil will start at 2 p.m. on Sunday April 2 and last until about 8 p.m. It will be held on Finlayson Island.
“This location has been chosen as it was one of Gregory’s favourite spots in our community,” Dan Dillabough posted on Cope's memorial page.
Kaja Holtz told SASKTODAY.ca that "Gregory and friends would play there growing up and have special gatherings there."
In lieu of Teddy bears, flowers and other mementos, organizers say that they prefer donations be made to the Gofundme for Cope’s sons, said Dillabough.
The vigil is also open to families that are currently facing the devastating heartache of their missing, abducted or murdered loved ones, that all need to know “they are not alone in their search for loved ones” said Dillabough.
Holtz said that Cope's family will be coming and going throughout the day of the vigil.
Organizers of the vigil ask that all those attending respect the grounds at Finalyson Island and pick up their own garbage before leaving.
Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes asks anyone with information about this homicide to call their local police of jurisdiction. You can reach your local RCMP detachment by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
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