People also remember a South Bend couple who died a few weeks ago in a murder-suicide. On Thursday night, the local ministry of prayer held a vigil for Debbie Lechtanski, 60, and Robert Lechtanski, 62.
“It’s not the first person I know with a gun or the first person I know who’s been shot. When that happens, it’s always more tragic and personal,” said Conra, who attended the vigil De Damian said.
Just before 1 a.m. on Nov. 26, police were called to the 2800 block of W. Calvert Street following reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found all three had suffered gunshot wounds. Detectives eventually discovered that Robert had shot and killed his wife, Debbie, and girlfriend, Gisele Montero, before sustaining the gunshot wound himself.
Debbie and Robert were pronounced dead at the scene. Montero was taken to hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Damian said he knew Robert from a Broadway church.
“Even though he hasn’t been around for a while, he holds a very special place in our hearts. He found this murder-suicide path because he couldn’t find any other way to process his thoughts, and that’s important to all of us. It’s all so tragic and scary for people. We should all be praying and caring,” Damian said.
Whenever there is a murder or homicide in St. Joseph County, the local prayer ministry holds a prayer vigil.
