Friends hope to tear down home where double murder-suicide took place

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - A group of people has made it a mission to tear down a source of pain in order to build a memorial for friends in its place.

At issue is the house at 3229 Lima Road where a 43-year-old man murdered his 19-year-old former girlfriend and her friend before killing himself in December 2011.   The shooter, Bart Heller, posted a message about the murders on his Facebook page beforehand.

The house was put on the market a few months after the crimes took place.

Friends of the victims, Erin Jehl and Ryann Tipton have started raising funds to buy the house and demolish it to build a memorial in their friends’ honor.

"Everyday is a struggle, it's just hard it takes all the energy you have," Lynn Schneider, Erin's mother said. "I feel so strong about doing something positive."

The group organized a garage sale and bake sale on Friday and Saturday, September 28-29 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.   The sales are located at Shoner Park within the Springwood housing addition off the corner of Coldwater and Cook roads.

Several families, including those of the victims, came together to provide items to sell during the fundraiser.

The event is the first of many in mind to raise a goal of $30,000.  The group has plans of organizing a benefit walk and car wash to help reach the amount. 

Schneider said she would open a donation fund at First Source Bank starting Monday in Erin and Ryann's names.