Church remembers Haskins

TROY, Ohio (WDTN) - As the Bedinger's recount their emotional rollercoaster, the entire Troy community is remembering 22-year old Brandon Haskins. Ginghamsburg church members in Miami County gathered to remember a young man that meant so much to many.

"I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." Hundreds fill the pews at Gingamsburg church on South county road 25-A in Miami County to remember 22 year old Brandon Haskins. "A few days ago, we experienced a horrendous tragedy."

Troy police believe Haskins was shot and killed by his 50 year old step father, who was also a member of this church, Jeff Bedinger. "I would see Jeff every weekend and you know I knew Brandon and he was full of life and so for this kind of incident to happen its shocking." Marie Flora, along with others, are asking one simple question to help them heal.

"In light of current events, you can tell that people's hearts are being tugged on and I wasn't surprised at all to see the attendance. Life is way to hard to do by ourselves." Pastor Mike Slaughter also struggles with the loss. Slaughter says his sermon examines why God allows bad things to happen to good people. "How could good people get caught up in that and committing the acts of evil as Brandon's step father did here." Slaughter says as time heals all wounds, he'll always keep Haskins close to his heart.

"For a 22 year old young person, he did more in his brief life than many people who are much older."

You're invited to worship with the congregation at Gingamsburg Church. They have Sunday services at 9, 10:15 and 11:30. Grief counselors are also there to help people cope.