Remembering the Harvey Family: Six Years Later

Six years after tragic murders, we still recall the horrendous events that led up to the deaths of an entire family. Bryan and Kathryn Harvey and their precious young daughters were killed on New Year’s Day, 2006.

The killers went on a crime spree of unimaginable depths and left our community reeling and shocked at such senseless tragedy. Fear gripped the community as we wondered how anyone could commit such horrible crimes. Their killing spree did not end with the Harvey family, but eventually they were caught.

As we approach the New Year, we remember this precious family and what they meant to the community and each other. There is a bridge dedicated to the family at Forest Hill Park where the family enjoyed time together. A bronze plaque memorializes the Harvey family along with a portrait of the family also cast in bronze. It’s a fitting tribute to the family who were so special to all who knew them and who enjoyed simply being together at the park.

This senseless crime is still unbelievable and incomprehensible. Fortunately, many have taken steps to turn tragedy into something that helps others. There are four seats installed at the Byrd Theatre and dedicated for each of the Harveys. Window boxes have been placed at World of Mirth that was owned by Kathryn Harvey. There are endowment funds and programs established in memory of the family that offers programs and help for children.

Starting a New Year should be an especially joyous and happy time for all of us as we start out a fresh journey. But for the friends and family of the Harvey family, New Year’s day is a grim reminder of their tragic loss.

Painting of Harvey family by Laura Loe

Let’s all remember them this New Year’s Day as we celebrate our opportunity to enjoy 2012. Try to do something in memory of this special family to let their loved ones know that we still remember them. Leave a message below to tell us what you do to remember them.

And remember that we can do things throughout the year in memory of Bryan, Kathryn, 9 year old Stella, and 4 year old Ruby. They are never forgotten.

RhondaDay

Rhonda Day is a wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoys a full-time freelance career as a Writer, Editor, and Marketing Consultant. In addition to Richmondmom.com, she also writes for a variety of local and national websites, and is a ghost-writer for clients.

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