Seward community holds candlelight vigil in remembrance of Jamie Hagen

SEWARD, Neb. (KLKN) – Dozens of people gathered Sunday at the Seward County Courthouse Courtyard to pay their respects to Jamie Hagen and fight to end domestic violence.

On Feb. 8, Hagen was killed by her ex-fiancé, Casey Kindt, after he broke into her house, according to the Nebraska State patrol.

SEE ALSO: Man charged with first-degree murder in shooting of ex-girlfriend at Seward home

Many described Jamie as a loving mother, dedicated friend and bright spirit.

Hagen’s best friend, Megan Emons, said the community has really wrapped their arms around the family.

“Our group, Justice for Jamie, is reaching just over 1,000 people now,” she said. “We’ve been speaking a lot about what will be said and what we need to expect out of tonight. I think the majority of it is we just want peace, no matter the story.”

She also told Channel 8 that people have come from all over to offer support for their cause.

“Our vigil is just a representation of everyone who’s loved Jamie, whose coming together as our community and actually from further out,” she said. “We have people from Columbus and Lincoln and Waverly. Just a whole bunch of people who have known Jamie over her 36 years of life.”

SEE ALSO: ‘My light in my dark days’: Friend remembers Seward woman killed in shooting

During the vigil, the group lit several candles and performed songs in remembrance of Hagen.

“We’re going to have tears, frozen tears,” Emons said. “We’re going to have all sorts of things going on but the moment of silence is what we really need for tonight cause she’s here, she’ll be with us.”

Emons said it’s nice to see people coming forward to bring awareness to domestic violence.

“Honestly as much as I’ve had my own reach out from people in the community,” she said. “There’s been moms of other kids that the girls go to school with, other family members, people who are wanting to do fundraisers and things like that. It’s not just about the monetary donations, other people have asked what they can do.”

SEE ALSO: ‘It’s absolutely terrifying’: Seward homicide puts spotlight on domestic violence

Justice for Jamie setup a GoFundMe to support the family through this time.