The parents of murder victims Jessica Lewis and Austin Wenner learned that the site of a simple memorial they had established last summer had been destroyed just prior to Thanksgiving. They had set it up last June at the site near Anchor Park/Duwamish Head where their bodies were discovered.

But for reasons unknown someone took it apart.

That meant the families would come together in their grief and pain again to once again create something to honor the memories of their loved ones. 

On a rainy Sunday, Dec. 12,  Dean Wenner, Austin's father. Charleen Kriens, Austin's mother. Patty Helland Jessica's mother and Jessica's Aunt Gina Jaschke came to the site. Dean had made a new cross, added the names and a coat of varnish. The mothers had gone to Safeway who upon hearing the story, gave them a big discount on the flowers, and free memorial vases. Pictures of Austin and Jessica were there too.

Gina said, "We know it's not an official memorial. But it's a way we all get to grieve. Our friends and anyone who knew Jesse & Austin- it's a place they stop by and can grieve, remember and pray. Anyone trying to remove the memorial needs to remember this- they may try to erase the memory of Jessica and Austin's existence, like their killer did. But they will have no such luck, as Jesse and Austin were loved by many. Friends and family for many generations to come. Nothing will ever make anybody ever forget their legacy here on this Earth. And its sad and selfish for those who try to think otherwise. Their deaths have strengthened and brought not just siblings but whole families together. Just as Jess and Austin would have wanted. Nobody's perfect, but regardless it's easy to see the love in their heart's not just for each other, but for the rest of the world too, and those who knew them would all agree. Nobody deserved what happened to them. To think anybody would make the effort to eradicate their memorial again, just shows the sad side of humanity. Let people grieve. Nobody's hurting anything."

Prayers were said, tears and hugs seemed to go on and on. And memories of those lost were restored by those who loved them best.