“Too many missing and murdered in Ky”: 9th annual candlelight vigil – The Advocate-Messenger

JUNCTION CITY – Not a day goes by that Michael Gorley's family doesn't wonder what happened to him.

It has been nine years since Gorley was last seen alive. After several years without answers, the family assumed Michael was dead, but that didn't stop them from searching for answers about his murder and his remains.

After he disappeared on May 17, 2015, his mother, Sandra Hasty, organized a candlelight vigil to raise awareness of the missing and unsolved murder cases in Kentucky. Since then, this list of people has continued to grow.

The 9th candlelight vigil and celebration of life took place on May 18. The event allows friends and family members of missing or murdered victims to come together, talk about their pain and raise awareness of unsolved cases. It brings together people from all parts of the state. During the event, a slideshow is played including all unsolved missing and murdered victims in the state.

There's one thing everyone agreed on: There are too many unsolved missing persons and murder cases in Kentucky.

Many chose to speak about their cases at the event, including Jennifer Gorley Coffey, Michael's sister.

Coffey said she was walking to the Boyle County Fair one evening last summer when someone handed her a religious pamphlet. She put it in her pocket and didn't think much about it until one day she saw and read it.

“He goes on to say that in civil law, a good judge must punish crime. If he turns a blind eye to injustice, then he is corrupt and he himself should be punished,” Coffey read. “Then it says that over a 10-year period in the United States, 100,000 murderers are never brought to justice. These were unsolved crimes. If God turns a blind eye to these murderers, then He is corrupt by nature. It makes sense that if he is good and just, he would be angry at those who took the lives of others and would punish murderers, rapists, etc. This is the teaching of the Bible, that God will in no way clarify the guilty. He will bring every work into judgment, including everything secret, whether good or bad. God is angry with the wicked every day.

Coffey said as she read she was amazed.

“It was a ‘wow’ moment for me…” she said. “I open this book and read it when I'm upset that we don't have answers in Michael's case. It's been nine years, which is a long time to go through what we've been through and many of you all know exactly this pain, you know this heartbreak, you know this pain. So I felt the need to share this with you all, because whatever is done in darkness will be brought to light, whether before our justice system or before God. Those who did these things and murdered people will be held accountable one way or another.

Coffey said there is power in numbers and thanked everyone for showing up.

“Events like this, that’s why it’s important, it tugs on the heartstrings and it’s not easy to come every year, I’ll tell you that. It’s emotional, but it’s necessary,” she said.

Another local murder case that was discussed was that of Desiree Sparks.

Desiree was found naked and deceased on West Skyline Drive in Lincoln County on October 1, 2016. John G. Stamper, Jr. was later charged with her murder. To date, no trial has taken place. Stamper, who had been out on bond for some time, is back in the Boyle County Detention Center on new charges, including unlawful transaction with a minor. He was recently indicted by a grand jury on these charges.

Desiree's sister, Desma, spoke at the event.

“I hope there will be progress in his case one way or another,” she said. “He’s in jail but we’ll just have to wait and see, I guess.” I also come to support my father, Ted Sparks, and Mark Snyder, my fiancé, murdered in 2012 by Thomas Hager. He was sentenced to life without parole. Thank you everyone for coming and supporting everyone.

Jania Walker New also spoke about her cousin, James “Bo” Havens, who was murdered in Corbin in 2016. The case remains unsolved. New also spoke on behalf of Teresa Atkins, the mother of a Lincoln County woman named Catisha Ascencio who was murdered in 2020. The man accused of reckless homicide was released after failing to bring charges.

Other statewide cases that have been discussed include the disappearance of Jason Yocum and the murder of Dustin Todd Privett. Sharon Hardin also spoke on behalf of her murdered nephew, Kevin Watts.

Hasty thanked the group for coming to what has become a very important event for her each year. She said it wouldn't be possible without Chris Weldon, who allows the group to use the building each year.

“Justice for our missing and our murdered,” she declared in conclusion.

Toni Brown Goodman and Lora Duvall as well as Carissa Smith and Daniel Smith of Kentucky Bloodhound Search and Rescue were in attendance. Dave and Kendra Conrad with Hunter Hounds were also in attendance. Michael Gorley's daughter, Ashlyn Denny, was also in attendance, as well as: Donna and Alan McIntyre of Missing and Not Forgotten; Carmi Rockwell; Jackson Harris; Kayla Wilson; Logan Vanarsdall; Crystal Coffey; Charles Coffey Jr.; Sharon Hardin; Ronda Moore Davis; Amy Denny; Parker Merrick; Jessica Merrick; Dylan Merrick; Therese Atkins; Addison Coffey; Kagan Coffey; Dorothy’s hair; Zoey Redden; Lisa Jones; Misty size; Christine Young; Terie Strock; Melinda Copley Gilbert; Keisha Phillips; David and Kendra Conrad; Michael Sanchez; Mélinda Tillet; Amy Denny; Kerri Burchett; and Dear Burchett.