OXFORD, Mass. (AP) -- Nearly 1,000 people have participated in a vigil for a 9-year-old boy in critical condition after police say his father shot him and killed his 7-year-old sister before committing suicide.
Town residents, including the children's friends, gathered on the town common Monday evening to offer prayers for Owen Benway and his sister, Abigail.
The Gazette & Telegram reports that there was little talk of the children's father, 41-year-old Daryl Benway, except to wonder why he would do such a thing.
Authorities say Daryl Benway separated from his wife just weeks before opening fire Saturday at the family's home.
Kelleen Benway, the children's mother, said on Facebook late Monday, "I am truly devastated without my little girl and hanging on to my son with all I am."
AP-WF-07-31-12 0338GMT