Nathan Strange didn’t know Cpl. Crystal Parker. But she said the East Point officer’s death hit her hard.
She had to do something to help.
“It just comes from wanting to reach out and support our officers,” Strange, a paramedic, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Strange, of East Point, said she started a fundraiser for the slain officer with three goals: Raise enough money for a floral wreath for Parker’s funeral. Pay for a meal for Parker’s colleagues on the day of her funeral. Give the rest to a charity chosen by Parker’s family.
Parker, 34, was found dead Sunday night inside her south Fulton County home.
On Tuesday, investigators said Parker had been shot in the head, and hours later, a former roommate, Danielle Alexis Parker, 30, was charged with murder.
Investigators have declined to release information on a motive in the shooting but have said it is believed to be domestic-related.
Also Tuesday, Strange set up an online account.
Strange said community groups have donated, as well as strangers who want to honor Crystal Parker, who was East Point’s Officer of the Year in 2012.
The service for Parker is set for noon Saturday at East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church.
Donations can be made online at http://petuniasprojects.blogspot.com/2013/07/fundraiser-in-memory-of-cpl-parker-east.html.
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