BELL, Fla. – A 51-year-old man who shot and killed seven family members before killing himself has broken the heart of Bell, a town of just 350 people about 30 miles west of Gainesville.
According to the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, Don Spirit took the life of his 28-year-old daughter Sarah Spirit and the lives of six of his grandchildren on Thursday before turning the gun on himself.
Friday morning at Bell Elementary, a school of 540 students where four of those victims would have gone to class, the principal, school superintendent a sheriff's deputy and others stood outside to show support for the children, many of whom were walked into the school by their parents.
Superintendent Rob Rankin said the victims were enrolled in kindergarten, second grade, third grade and fifth grade. A teacher there said she put the children on a bus at 3 p.m. They were found dead at Spirit's home less than two hours later.
Inside the school on Friday, local and out-of-town grief counselors were available to help the children with their questions and grief.
"We just ask for prayers for our community in light of the tragic events that unfolded yesterday afternoon," Rankin said. "These children were loved by their classmates, by the teachers and staff here at Bell Elementary School. We brought in additional counselors today to help with the students that struggle and have a during this difficult time."
Gilchrist County Sheriff Robert Schultz said in the wake of this tragedy, his department is tweaking its motto.
"Our mission today is to make sure that our children and the victim's families are taken care of," Schultz said. "Like I say for everybody who has children, just hold your kids tighter tonight and tell them how much you love them."
Maryanne Vincent, who has lived in the same road as Spirit for more than 15 years, said she remembers seeing the kids play out in the yard, something she will never get to see again.
"Every day they would come by, two little ones. I mean, I'm not sure who was involved, but the little girl she would run past us and would kind of check out the dogs and the dogs would chase them in a kind of playful way," Vincent told WJCB-TV in Gainesville. "That was kind of my joy."
A Bell resident for 29 year, Barbara Whiddon cried when asked about the tragedy at an area convenience store. She said she knew some of the slain children.
"It's something that shouldn't have happened. He shouldn't have took his grandkids and his daughter," she said. "If he was going to do something he should have done it to himself. Them babies is God's angels."
In the meantime, neighbors, family, and friends are looking for support from each other to cope with the pain.
"I think everybody just needs to come together and start looking out for each other. Maybe if they see someone who needs help, help them out the best they can," neighbor Victoria Edwards said.
Gov. Rick Scott visited the town Friday to get a briefing about the killings and help the community "get back on its feet."
Rep. Ted Yoho issued this statement: "Our hearts go out to the town of Bell after hearing the news of the town's senseless tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spirit family's next of kin and the quiet rural town of Bell."
Bell High School's football team hosted Trenton on Friday night. Both high school bands performed Amazing Grace together.
Community leaders asked everyone to wear white to the game to show unity, "as we come together at this time of loss. Being together as one community will help us work through this tragedy."
Community means more than just high school allegiances. The visiting team, Trenton, pulled together a show of support with images replayed on the field.
"We come to this town for football games. I'm from Trenton. It's very important we all pulled together and support each other. Let people know that this is not going to define our community," said Jackie Robinson.
"I think everybody here needs it to heal to support each other. There's nothing else we can do, and be there for each other. Know that when everything is over, we're still there for each other," Melanie Anderson said.
Donations were collected at the football game for financial needs of the family. A crowdfunding website was also set up to pay for funeral expenses for those killed: Gofundme.com/bellfloridatragedy.
A prayer vigil was also scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Bell Elementary School.
