An event is planned for this weekend to remember Stormi Harbord and address issues surrounding domestic violence.

Family members are inviting the public to gather Saturday to celebrate Harbord’s life. Harbord was killed earlier this month in St. Joseph. The memorial gathering will take place at 1 p.m. at Evolution United Methodist Church located at 202 W. Hyde Park Ave. Terresa Parks, Harbord’s cousin said they plan to sing, share a potluck meal and release balloons. She said they are also trying to address the issue of domestic violence.

“We’re going to eat, we’re going to sing songs and we’re going to talk about some uncomfortable things,” Parks said. “We’re going to talk about some of Stormi’s favorite things and we’re going to talk about if you would like to help with her five children here are the ways you can help and then we’re going to do a balloon release. At that time if they want to stick around for awhile with the professionals and the ministers I will leave the doors open for awhile until the last one’s gone.”

Terrell Smith has been charged in Buchanan County with a felony of second-degree murder in connection with Harbord’s death. Parks said Smith and Harbord had been in a relationship prior to the shooting.

“I’m just really hoping that out of all of it when it’s time to leave this place, somebody if just by the loss of what Stormi went through can at least save one person,” Park said. “It’s just so hard to look at such a beautiful girl and think, ‘how did no one know?'”

Parks said the community is invited to attend Saturday’s event.  She is also inviting ministers and people who deal with domestic violence issues.  Parks said she hopes the gathering will bring the community together.

“The violence in our community has taken over,” Parks said. “We always say we want to fight back but nobody knows how to. So we just have to start taking things piece by piece and start picking stuff apart.”

For more information on the memorial gathering CLICK HERE.