Veneta remembers Brooke Wilberger four years after her disappearance
By Molly BlancettVENETA, Ore. - Cassie Henneman still chokes up when she talks about her friend, Brooke Wilberger. "It's hard to see it happen to such a wonderful person," said Henneman. Henneman said Brooke brought light into the world and when she went missing her absence left a large hole in this small community. "I think it really tore us apart," said Henneman. "But it brought us back together too." Even those who didn't know Brooke said they felt the loss. "I think that everyone who knew anything about her was upset," said Veneta resident Monika Jefferson. "She was a small town girl." Four years later, the emotional signs are everywhere but the visual signs are harder to come by. Business windows across town used to be covered with Brooke's picture. Now, the only one you'll find is at the pizza parlor. People here said they won't feel a sense of closure until there's a conviction and for Henneman, a consequence. "I think he should have the death penalty for sure," said Henneman. Friends say lessons from Brooke's disappearance will never be forgotten. "I think everyone now seems to watch out for people a lot more around here," said Henneman. "Anytime someone notices a strange vehicle, everyone is a lot more on the whereabouts." Messages left for the Wilberger family were never returned. The main suspect in the case is Joel Courtney. His trial is scheduled to begin in February 2010. |
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