Nathan Strange didn’t know Cpl. Crystal Parker. But news of the East Point officer’s death hit her hard, Strange said.
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 fund raiser 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 in appreciation for the officer’s service.
Parker, 34, was found deadSunday night inside her south Fulton County home, according to police.
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. The brutal death shocked family and colleagues of Parker, the 2012 Officer of the Year in East Point.
Investigators have declined to release information on a motive in the shooting death, but have said it is believed to be domestic-related.
Also Tuesday, Strange put her plan to work by setting up an online account and blogging her idea. Thursday night, Strange said she has been shocked by the amount of donations from her community and others.
“Everything has been grass roots,” Strange said. “I really didn’t expect it at all.”
Strange said the community support is typical of small-town feeling among residents of East Point. Community groups have donated, as well as strangers who want to honor the officer.
“Out of this tragedy, we’re seeing the community pull together and turn something really tragic into something really beautiful,” Strange said.
The service for Parker is scheduled for noon Saturday at East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church on Church Street. No public visitation is planned.
Donations can be made online at http://petuniasprojects.blogspot.com/2013/07/fundraiser-in-memory-of-cpl-parker-east.html.
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