Friends, Family Gather For Candlelight Vigil To Honor Stabbing Victim
The family and friends of 20-year-old Buck Garner — murdered in Ammon on Christmas Day — gathered across the street from the crime scene on Sunday night.
Family members tell our station at least 300 people attended a viewing earlier in the evening, and at least 100 stayed to participate in the vigil. Friends stood in a circle, held candles and spoke about their memories of Garner.
Garner’s mother, Lisa Garner, spoke with our station live on the air after the vigil. She said it was inspiring to see the turnout.
“It was amazing, I felt all the love,” she said.
Buck Garner died at EIRMC from his injuries on Christmas Day after being stabbed in the chest shortly after midnight. On Christmas afternoon, police arrested 19-year-old Joseph Chavez at a home in Idaho Falls. He has been charged with second degree murder. Police have arrested an additional six individuals in connection with the case.
Sunday night’s vigil took place at Wood Funeral Home on Ammon Road, directly across the street from the home at 850 S. Ammon Road where the murder took place. Lisa Garner said the vigil was about finding peace.
“I hope that everyone pulls together and learns from this, and grows and become the people they’re supposed to be,” she said.
Funeral services for Buck Garner will be held on Monday Jan. 2 at Calvary Chapel at 4250 S. 25th E. in Idaho Falls. A viewing will be held from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and the service will begin at 2 p.m.
