I Knew The Last Sniper Victim (Vanity)

mafree | 10/12/02 | mafree

[Ciexyz]

I'm praying that God gives the cops a break in this case. May the families of the victims find peace and support in their grief.

[Ligeia]

Wife's worst fears come true
By MaryClaire Dale
ASSOCIATED PRESS


PHILADELPHIA — As she waited for her husband to return home Friday from a business trip that took him through suburban Washington, Jocelyn Bridges worried about the sniper terrorizing the region, FBI authorities said.

About 4 p.m. Friday they confirmed her worst fears. A bullet fired at a gas station near Fredricksburg, Va., just before 9:30 a.m. had struck Kenneth Bridges in the shoulder as he pumped gas. The shot penetrated vital organs, killing him.

"Everybody, when they hear the news that the sniper has hit again — if you know you have children in school, if you know that you have family members down there — you hope against hope that it's not you," FBI spokeswoman Linda Vizi said outside the family's three-story home Friday night.

The sniper has killed eight persons and wounded two in Maryland, Virginia and the District since Oct. 2, including Mr. Bridges, whose death was definitively linked to the others yesterday.

Mr. Bridges, 53, a father of six who co-founded a black self-help marketing and distribution organization, was remembered by stunned neighbors and friends as a friendly man who was active in the community.

At home, they would see him mowing the lawn, playing basketball with his children and walking with his wife.

"He would take those long walks with his wife. He would celebrate birthdays with his children. He was a very giving person. He was a gentle man," said Gary Shepherd, a family friend who spoke for about 20 people gathered outside the house in the Germantown section of northwest Philadelphia on Friday night.

"The family and friends are understandably shocked and saddened by this senseless event," Mr. Shepherd said. "While no family should have to endure this type of tragedy, the Bridges family hopes that his killer is brought to justice as quickly as possible."

Mr. Shepherd said the family would have no comment but asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact authorities. As he spoke, a steady stream of friends came and went at the house, which is largely hidden behind a high stone wall.

"He was the first person to welcome me when I moved into the neighborhood," said Estelle Staley, the family's next-door neighbor.

Mr. Bridges and a daughter brought cupcakes when she moved in about six years ago, she said.

The couple has two sons and four daughters, the youngest in their teens, Miss Vizi said.

"He was very friendly, very friendly," Miss Staley said. "I hope they hurry and catch that guy because it's terrible. He's doing a terrible thing."

Mr. Bridges graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He was president and chairman of the board of MATAH Network, an Oaklyn, N.J., organization formed in 1997 to encourage blacks to support black-owned businesses and to promote black self-sufficiency.

"It's a very difficult time. I don't think anybody thought this was going to affect us in Philadelphia," Miss Vizi said.

"You watch it on television, you read it in the newspaper, and then you find out that, sure enough, it's hit the city and devastated a family in our town," she said.
http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20021013-92618849.htm

[RJL]

Prayers for Ken and all the victims.

[Luis Gonzalez]

"I must say this right now- many FReepers would have disagreed with Ken ideologically and politically. He was a strong Black Nationalist type who supported reparations and celebrated Kwanzaa."

Yes, you're right, I would disagree with him, but he was, above all, an American, free to opine and live as he saw fit.

A prayer for his family and friends, and that includes you.

I hope justice is served, and that the killer meets his end violently.

[austingirl]

His politics don't matter - he was innocent victim of evil. Prayers on the way.

[spectre]

Prayers for strength for you, mafree. So sorry..

sw

[JudyB1938]

I join with you in mourning.

[cmsgop]

Im so sorry...

[fellowpatriot]

I am so sorry for your friend and all the victims of this ruthless killer! Politics is the last thing that matters when innocent life is taken in this way. May God rest his soul, poor guy.

[Peace4EarthNow]

Prayers have been sent up for you, mafree, and for the other friends and families of the victims.

My deepest condolensces to you. May God Bless.....

[Faith]

Heavenly Father,

In times of darkness and sorrow, we turn to You for light and for healing. Surely You have borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, Lord. We commit to You this fallen American, and we pray that he knew You and will dwell with You throughout eternity. And Lord, we lift up his family to You and ask that Your loving arms would surround them and hold them up during this tremendous trial. Please replace their despair with hope, and fill them with Your peace that passes all understanding. May Your grace uphold them as they deal with their loss. We pray also that You would comfort and defend mafree. May Your blessings be upon him as he seeks prayers for this family.

Father, defend the people of this nation from these pointless acts of violence and terrorism. We lift up our eyes unto the hills from whence comes our help, for our help comes from You, Dear Lord. Thank You for hearing our prayers which we ask, believing in the Name and power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

[stand watie]

both he & his family have been added to our home's prayer list. also i will ask Father Alister Anderson to pray for them.

i believe that Almighty God listens carefully to the prayers of a GOOD MAN;the Father is such a man.

free the southland,sw

[floriduh voter]

I remember that day you simply said "damn, just damn." You have such a big heart that you were saddened even before you knew who it was. This makes your sadness more direct.

Are they establishing a foundation for the children and his wife? Peace be with you.

[floriduh voter]

I'm so sorry, mafree. I was pinged by someone else and wrote something to him instead.

Your friend was a good man and I saw his big, warm smile on tv. I have only seen Ken's photo once or twice, but it looks like he could sure light up a room with his presence.

[cowgirlcutie]

I'm so sorry to read of your loss of your friend, Ken. Politics don't matter at a time like this. Please pass condolences along to his bereaved family. I pray that God put His loving arms around them and you at this time. God Bless.

[floriduh voter]

My friends, stay safe. These are trying times for our nation. I had personal struggles that I overcame in the nineties - it appears I got them out of the way for the adversity we face together as Americans. It's time for more prayin' and God Bless America.

[panther33]

Sometimes people forget that every victim leaves friends and family behind... I haven't.

My prayers and thoughts are with you.

[dutchess]

"But even though he was "Black Nationalist" type, he started his own business and a marketing company. We here could probably find a lot in common with him, not in how he voted, but in how he lived his life."

A very good observation Vince Ferrer.

This is a senseless tragedy and my prayers go out to you mafree for losing a friend and to his wife, children and family members....

[valleygal]

You must have posted this just after I logged off last night. I have been at church and out all day and came home to find your post linked to the prayer thread.

I wish I could say something eloquent. I have read the the thread and many here have had words of inspiration I wished I could have said.

But I can say this...I am so sorry for your loss and the pain and shock you must be feeling. Lord, I pray for mafree and Ken's family. Help them to deal with the tragic loss of their husband, father,relative and friend. Thank you for the time he was here and the way he used that time to touch so many lives. We pray you would give strength to all the families of the victims, Lord. Amen

[mafree]

Thanks for your thoughts.