“We’ve had the tragedy, the accused have been captured, and now the attention returns to healing and the memory of a well-liked Biloxi police officer,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says of the candlelight vigil planned for this afternoon at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center and the pending funeral services for Biloxi Patrolman Robert McKeithen.
The 6 p.m. outdoor vigil will be prefaced by a laying of a wreath by members of the Biloxi City Council this afternoon at 5:15. The presentations take place in the parking of the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center where McKeithen, a 24-year veteran of the Biloxi Police Department, was gunned down Sunday night.
Councilmembers will lay the wreath on McKeithen’s police cruiser, which remains parked since Sunday night where he had stopped mid-shift to change a tire. The SUV, which bears McKeithen’s badge number (126), has become a makeshift memorial, with dozens laying wreaths and other mementoes.
Although councilmembers must depart for a 6 p.m. council meeting at City Hall, the Biloxi Ecumenical Clergy Leadership Council has organized a prayer vigil for Patrolman Robert McKeithen. The vigil will include remarks by a host of pastors, singing, reflections by Biloxi Police Chaplain Robert Burris, and prayers for the Biloxi Police Department, families and the community.Â
See the program
John Miller on the last few days
Biloxi Police Chief John Miller, in a new video recorded in the wake of accused cop killer Darian Tawan Atkinson, discusses the capture, the teamwork of the Biloxi Police Department and neighboring agencies, and the support of the community.
Watch the video
McKeithen services are Monday
The funeral service for fallen officer Robert McKeithen has been set for Monday at the First Baptist Church of Biloxi, 1560 Popp’s Ferry Road. A public visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The service begins at 12:30 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. burial at the Biloxi National Cemetery.
Account set up a Southern Federal Credit Union
“We had a whole lot of people wanting to give money. We actually had to set up an account for the McKeithen family,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said. “Donations can be made at the Southern Coastal Credit Union on Howard Avenue to an account we have set up under the McKeithen family name so you can donate directly.”
Visit the credit union website
Municipal court suspended
Biloxi Municipal Court will be suspended Monday to allow staff and officers to attend services for slain police officer Robert McKeithen. Anyone scheduled for court Monday, May 13 will have their court date reset to June 3. Questions? Call the court at 228-435-6125.
