Candlight Vigil Planned for Joshua Savyon

This story was written by Amherst Patch editor Robert Michaelson and posted to Bedford Patch by Ryan O'Connor

The community will come together on Friday in the wake of a tragedy that took the life of an Amherst student.

A candlelight vigil for Joshua Savyon and his family will take place Friday at 7 p.m. on the Village Green in Amherst.

The nine-year-old was tragically killed by his father in a murder-suicide at the YWCA in Manchester on Sunday. Muni Savyon shot his son multiple times before turning the gun on himself during a visitation.

His mother, Becky Ranes, was outside of the building during the shooting, according to WMUR.

According to ABC News, Joshua Savyon took classes at American Taekwondo Association (ATA) Martial Arts studio in Bedford for four years.

"He was a true joy to watch because he represented all the goodness and innocence of a young boy growing into a future leader," ATA owner and chief instructor Mark Harbinson said in a statement to ABC News.  "We will never forget Josh. He was not just a student, but a member of our family."

School officials described Joshua as “intelligent” and “friendly” in a statement on Monday.

Joshua was on his way to being a fourth-grader at Clark-Wilkins School. Principal Gerard St. Amand said that Joshua and his family are in their thoughts.

“It is with great sadness that I must share with all of you that one of our students at Clark-Wilkins School, Joshua Savyon, died on Sunday, August 11th, in a tragic murder-suicide, which also claimed the life of Josh’s father, Muni Savyon. Josh was an extremely upbeat, intelligent, and engaging child who will be sorely missed by the entire Clark-Wilkins community. As we join Josh’s mother, Becky Ranes, in grieving this devastating loss I want to make everyone aware that we will have counselors available at Wilkins School on Thursday, August 15th, from 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. to meet with students, staff members, and families who may require support in addressing this tragedy. When arrangements for Josh’s services have been finalized I will pass that information along. [...] Finding the right words and doing the right things can prove quite challenging at times such as this, but please know that my heart, thoughts, and prayers are extended to Josh’s mother, his family, friends, and teachers as we all travel this difficult road. Please do not hesitate to call on me if I can be of assistance.”

For more information on this Friday’s candlelight vigil, please email michael.costolo@gmail.com.