Benefit Set To Increase Reward In Murders

People are pulling together near Weleetka to find justice for two girls murdered and their families.  Businesses in Henryetta are donating goods and services to raise reward money.  News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports the fundraiser is the idea of two Henryetta parents.

They hope to double the reward money in hopes someone will come forward.  They say until that happens everyone will be on edge.

What happened haunts mothers like Lara Coppedge.

"It's absolutely my worst nightmare," said Lara Coppedge.

The murders of  Skyla Whitaker and Taylor Pashcal-Placker in Weleetka have robbed small communities like nearby Henryetta of their sense of security.

"With a community this size when something like this happens everyone  becomes outraged, skeptical and scared," said Darrell Coppedge, benefit auction organizer.

But, instead of letting their fear consume them, it's fueling their fight for justice.

"Our goal in this is to get these guys off the streets as soon as possible.  We're a small community, about three times  the size of Weleetka, but still. Businessmen here live out there.  My wife and I own property in that area. Our kids have friends in that area," said Darrell Coppedge, benefit auction organizer.

And, the rest of the community is in on it.  They have donated everything from guitars to trips to the doctor's office for an auction.  They hope to raise $25,000.  If they get there that will double the current reward.

"We're just trying to get the message across that we're not going to put up with this in our town," said Lara Coppedge.

They say the two little girls deserve nothing less.

The benefit auction is at the Henryetta Inn & Dome.  It starts at 6 o'clock Friday evening.  Organizers say they've received an outpouring of support.  They've already raised $1,000 just from making calls about the auction. For more information call 918-652-2581.

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