Community Corner
Friends, Family Remember Jennifer Mejia at Wake
Mejia's high school diploma and graduation gown were placed nearby.
More than 100 people attended the first service of the wake of Jennifer Mejia, 17 of East Patchogue, at the in Patchogue on Wednesday.
Mejia was one of four victims gunned down on Father’s Day during the robbery of the Haven Drugs store in Medford. David Laffer, 33, and his wife, Melinda Brady, 29, were arrested in connection with the murders on Wednesday from their home in Medford.
Dozens of floral bouquets lined the room of the wake with photographs of Mejia as she grew up. Several tribute videos played on a television screen set up in one corner. One video appears to have been made by her family expressed messages that Mejia was "the best sister in the whole world. Jennifer, I know that you will always have an eye on me."
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Faculty and staff members from Bellport High School came to pay their respects. Security from the school district was close by for crowd control. Many Bellport High School students showed up prior to going to their Senior prom, which Mejia would have attended. They were wearing black hooded sweatshirts with Mejia's photo on the front.
At the service, Brian said that he knew Jennifer from a church youth group. His favorite memory was of last year's annual trip when they travelled to San Salvador.
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"She was such a sweet, caring girl and had such a bright future," Brian said.
Various women sang and said prayers throughout the service. Mass was said in Spanish around 3:30 p.m.
Also in attendance was Linda, who remembered Jennifer fondly from the Haven Drugs store where she picked up her prescriptions.
"She was always smiling. She brightened my day. This is so senseless. I don't know how a parent could go through this," Linda said.
Mejia was laid out to rest in a beautiful blue dress within a simple white and gold casket. A crystal rosary was poised within her hands. Her high school diploma was alongside her and her red cap and gown were hung up nearby. Mejia would have graduated Bellport High School Thursday evening.
Jennifer A. Mejia was born on October 1, 1993.
The funeral mass for Mejia will take place Friday at 10 a.m. at church.
