Sand Springs Community Holds Vigil To Honor Life Of Mother, 2 Girls Killed

Friends and family in Sand Springs gathered to honor the life of Staci Smith, and her two little girls, Piper and River. 

Police said they were killed by Smith’s boyfriend and the girls' father on Saturday, before he killed himself. 

People got together tonight to share stories about Smith and her two little girls. They say she was the sweetest woman who made such an impact on her friends and family. 

Smith worked at Rib Crib for around five years; the close bond of the employees and customers was more like a family. 

"Here in our community, when one of us hurt we all hurt together," said pastor Rusty Gunn.

Gunn is the pastor of Church that Matters, and often ate at Rib Crib. He led the vigil as friends and family prayed, read scripture, and lit candles and released balloons. 

"She was just a joyous person and as people shared tonight, she was always in a good mood, very rarely you would see her without a smile on her face," he said. 

Gunn said Smith was the kind of person to take people under her wing and was a leader at the restaurant. He said the affect she had on her loved ones will never be forgotten. 

"How much impact she has made on people's lives and to know the people that are left behind, are not left alone," Gunn said. 

A fundraiser will be held on Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sand Springs Rib Crib. For anyone who comes and say they are dining "for Staci," they will donate 15% of the sales to Smith’s family.