JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — Two days after authorities said a mother killed her two young children, a Jefferson County community was trying to process what happened and look for ways to support the children's families.
Ashley Parmeley admitted Tuesday to killing her 9-year-old daughter, Scarlet Parmeley-Daugherty, and her 2-year-old son, Isaac Baum, authorities said. Police said she drove to the Festus Police Department, soaking wet and disheveled, and told officers she had shot her daughter and drowned her son at a nearby resort.
Scarlet was found shot in the back of Parmeley's SUV. Police rushed to Timber Creek Resort in De Soto, about 13 miles away, where they found Isaac drowned in a fountain. Authorities at both scenes tried to save them, but the siblings were pronounced dead a short time later.
Family friends of Scarlet and her father are speaking out to make sure the memory of both children lives on forever.
On Wednesday night, around a thousand community members honored Scarlet and Isaac, who were beloved by so many.
The vigil was held at the Twin City Little League field in Crystal City, one of Scarlet's favorite places and where she pitched for the last time.
"Last night, we slowed everything down and got on the ball field like a bunch of kids and just honored Scarlet and Isaac," Chad Smith said.
There was a balloon release at the vigil as the community prayed for the children, their fathers, and their families, as well as the first responders who witnessed the horrific crime scenes.
"Scarlet would tell anybody and everybody every time she walked out of the door, 'I love you.' Even if you were a stranger. She wanted everybody to feel loved. Love describes both of them deeply," said Chad Smith.
Smith, a pastor in Festus and a close friend of Scarlet's father, Jason Daugherty, said Scarlet and Isaac were the most amazing kids.
"Scarlet, being 9, had one of the greatest personalities that you could ever see in a little girl. She was a little redhead with so many freckles, and she was always smiling. She always wanted to go fishing, play ball, and pitch. She was just a happy kid. And Isaac was a good boy," Smith said.
Smith said Scarlet could light up any room with her bubbly personality and laugh.
"She's like her daddy. He walks into a room, and before you know it, he takes over, making you laugh and being funny. That's the same way Scarlet was," Smith said.
As for the children's fathers, Smith said, "Their fathers loved them so deeply. Jason and Michael are doing how you'd expect. They have their moments. They're both amazing fathers."
Family friends said Scarlet was an amazing athlete. Her former gymnastics and cheer coaches at Flipside in Festus said she could light up any room with her smile.
"She loved her teammates. She was always their best friend, always looking for friends, always willing to talk to them. She was just such a joy. Every time we had a new kid in class, she wanted to be the one who took her to the bathroom or helped coach. She was definitely a leader," said Jen Wright, Scarlet's cheer coach.
Alison Andeline, the program director at Flipside, said she wants Scarlet to be remembered for "her bubbly demeanor, her friendliness, and her hugs." While her assistant gymnastic coach, Britne Shrout, said she will always remember Scarlet's smile. "It was very contagious," Shrout said.
"This situation is a tragedy for our community. It's a tragedy for the family and the victims and anybody that knows this family," Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak said during a Tuesday news conference, adding that chaplains and a crisis response team were dispatched to provide support to impacted first responders.
Scarlet Parmeley-Daugherty's father, Jason Daugherty, said in a Facebook post, "I never thought this day would come, but I don't think any parent ever does.
"Scarlet is no longer with us. She loved everybody she ever met and loved everything in the world. She had no hate in her heart. ... You used to say I love you so much, but what you didn't know is I always loved you first. This should not have happened. Take care of your baby brother ... you both will be missed."
The Festus R-VI School District confirmed that Scarlet had just completed third grade at Festus Elementary School. Counselors would be available Wednesday and Thursday at the elementary school for students and staff members who need support, the district said in a statement.
"Scarlet's teachers and administrators say she was a bubbly, energetic, and trustworthy student," the district shared in a statement. "They say she was caring and compassionate, eager to please, with a good sense of humor. She could make friends with anyone and she was very much looking forward to moving to the 4th grade when classes resume in August."
Judy Nesbit lives right across the street from the Festus Police Station. She said as someone with children, she can't wrap her head around what happened.
"I cried, I really did. It bothered me. I have great grandchildren and grandchildren. It was very hard. I couldn't believe it," Nesbit said. " ... It's horrible. I can't imagine living through that. It's just unbelievable."
GoFundMe pages were created to help cover funeral costs for Scarlet and for Isaac.
Donations to Scarlet's family can also be made to the "Stand With Scarlet Memorial" at any First Community Credit Union location in Missouri.
Memorials with balloons, stuffed animals and flowers sat Wednesday outside both the Festus Police Department and Timber Creek Resort.
Community mourns siblings after mother charged in their murders
Scarlet's funeral has been planned for June 3, while her little brother's funeral will be held on June 4.
The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, which provides support for children and parents in crisis, said parents who are struggling can call its 24-hour helpline at 314-768-3201.