Hundreds of people gathered at a vigil in North Stonington Friday night for two young boys who were killed by their grandmother Tuesday.
Debra Denison, picked up her grandsons, Alton, 2, and 6-month-old Ashton Perry, at daycare Tuesday, drove to a remote location in Preston and shot both of the boys to death before killing herself. Authorities said Denison left a suicide note before leaving her house to pick up the boys. According to the state medical examiner, both children were shot multiple times.
"To lose two young children like this is just horrendous," said North Stonington First Selectman Nick Mullane.
According to family members, Denison suffered from mental health issues, including a form of split personalities and depression.
"I think we need to show support for the family, just to be together," Mullane said.
The town organized the vigil at the North Stonington Recreation Facility at 32 Rocky Hollow Road in North Stonington. The vigil started at 7 p.m.