Rain doesn't dampen Houser vigil

WHITLEY COUNTY, ind., (WANE) --- - More than 50 people gathered Wednesday evening for a candlelight vigil; two weeks to the day that Deb Houser disappeared. Houser's ex-husband Rodney is accused of killing her, though police have been unable to locate her body so far.

Friends, family and complete strangers arrived bundled in coats and tucked under umbrellas to brave the rain and cold weather.

The event was organized by the Whitley County Domestic Violence Task Force. It began at 5:30 p.m. outside the Whitley County courthouse.

Organizers say the goal of the vigil was to support Deb Houser's family, and raise awareness about domestic violence.

"My heart told me I needed to be here, rain or shine. I belonged here and that's to show my support to the family," said Michelle Gibson, who worked with Houser at the Columbia City newspaper, Post and Mail.

The crowd huddled close for the service, which lasted about 15 minutes. During the vigil, there was a prayer and moment of silence for Houser. The program concluded with everyone receiving and lighting a single white candle in her memory.

"I did not know her, but being an advocate, it's that we have to do something for this woman," said Judy Strock with the YWCA. Strock helped organize the event. "Healing comes when people come together and they share their feelings."

Strock and other organizers hope the event can inspire someone to speak up, or recognize when domestic violence is happening.

"Statistically nationally, one in four women, and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lifetimes," explained Sherry Sausaman, with the Whitley County Domestic Violence Task Force. "It's a very dangerous situation, and I think a lot of people don't understand."

Deb Houser is tragic reminder of that. She disappeared November 18th. Police say her ex-husband Rod Houser killed her, and hid her body in rural Whitley County. He's been charged with her murder.

Her sister, Karen Caprioni says her family was aware of the volatile relationship.

"He hit her on and off before they got divorced," Caprioni told NewsChannel 15. "She kept trying, and this is what happened unfortunately."

In 2006, Houser pleaded guilty to battering his now 9-year old son. He'd also served time for stalking, and intimidating his ex-wife Deb.

Police from multiple agencies and dozens of volunteers have searched western Whitley County for Deb's body. Houser told a confidential informant, he killed Deb, and hid her body near her Whitley County home.

Though the searches have turned up nothing so far, Caprioni says the family is hopeful she'll be found so that they can have closure. She and Houser's young nephew also spoke about how grateful the family is for all the support.

"Thank you for helping look for my aunt Debbie," said nine-year-old nephew Collin Baron.

Caprioni added, ""We really appreciate everything that everybody's done, for us and this is real nice, considering it's pouring rain, that makes it even more heartwarming."

For more information on domestic violence, click here.