Nearly 300 people honor two Apex women killed in neighborhood shooting

APEX, N.C. (WTVD) -- Following a moment of silence at last week's city council meeting the Town of Apex held a vigil Monday night at the town square honoring 69-year-old Nancy Taylor and 37-year-old Gabrielle Raymond.

Nearly 300 people came out to honor the lost lives and show support to their loved ones.

The two women were shot and killed right outside their home in the middle of the day by their neighbor Harry Hardman, according to police.

Hardman is behind bars with no bond facing two counts of felony murder charges and animal cruelty charges for killing his dog as well. A motive remains unclear.

Apex resident Tony Gibbs, 25, made it a point to attend Monday night, saying that one Apex resident hurts, and the whole town hurts. He lost his son a decade ago and knows how crucial community support can be when grieving a loved one.

"You've been there before. You've sat in those seats before, and you recognize and realize that it means the world when you look around and you see support there. That's what gets you through it," Gibbs said.

Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert and Apex Police Chief Jason Armstrong both spoke at the vigil about the effect of the crime on the community.

Raymond's friend Laura Frankey remembered her as selfless, thoughtful, kind, creative, and full of love.

"It is hard to describe this event as a loss. It was a shock. A crime. A life cut short by an intentional act of unnecessary violence. We did not lose her. She was stolen from us," Frankey said. "She could light up your heart, your life. Her smile and laugh were infectious,"

Taylor's pastor, Doug Stride from Hope Community Church, spoke on behalf of Taylor's family, saying Taylor moved to Apex three years ago to be closer to her grandsons.

"She attended every baseball game they played in and was involved in their lives here. She always wanted to be a grandmother who was there and present, and she loved being there and not only cheering for her boys but their teammates as well," Stride said.

Stride said Taylor was a woman of strong faith, and children in her neighborhood lovingly referred to her as "grandma."

"Our faith community is here to serve all of our community during this time of need," Stride said.

Armstrong echoed that message, telling community members they can lean on the faith community and the Apex Police Department if they need resources in the wake of this crime.

Last week, the town was lit up in purple and people brought flowers and candles to honor the victims.

"Purple is a symbol for healing. And we thought that would be a good display of community support in our water tower," Gilbert said.