Monday, June 2nd 2014, 12:55 pm
Friends, family and classmates attended the funeral of a 14-year-old Tulsa girl, who was shot and killed last week in her family's vehicle. The family was going home after spending the day riding four-wheelers at Keystone Park.
Hundreds packed into the church to honor the life of April Montano, who had just graduated eighth grade. Family and friends mourned for her, and classmates wore t-shirts with her picture on them. Some in attendance didn't even know April, but wanted to show their support for the senseless murder.
Her flower draped casket was a stark contrast to the vibrant young girl who was living life to the fullest with her family just days earlier.
She'd gotten a four-wheeler for graduating with good grades. She was looking forward to summer, and then high school, but all that was cut short in a way that made everyone question how this could happen.
"You should have no doubt God is with you in the pain and the grief we are suffering today," the priest said.
Her death was compared to when the power goes out suddenly, and everyone is searching for a light, something to bring them comfort and see the way.
The crowd was urged to seek the love of Jesus Christ as that light, to embrace love for each other in hopes of preventing future tragedies.
"There is nothing else we can do at this moment but pray for April and her family. Brothers and sisters, prayer is a lasting value," said the priest.
6/1/2014 Related Story: Father Of Slain 14-Year-Old: Killers Wanted To Damage Us
One of her teachers said April was a lovely, sweet girl. Her neighbor said she was always riding her bike and her family was good and kind.
April's classmates and friends wore her picture on their shirts, telling her to rest in paradise, that she would never be forgotten.
Coleon McDaniel said she was a faithful friend, "When I first saw it, I was just shocked, in a phase, couldn't think."
April's uncle said she was a nice girl and he's at a loss for words to understand.
It was evident that even in her 14 short years, April left a lasting mark.
When April's father found out the reason she was killed was because someone wanted to steal the family's four-wheelers, he said to me, he would've given them the four-wheelers.
David Ruble II and Demonte Rushing are in Tulsa Jail on complaints of first degree murder and armed robbery.
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