Parents pay tribute to children killed in Connecticut school massacre
State medical examiner reveals victims were shot multiple times, with 16 of them aged six
It is not the way Emilie Parker died that will matter, it is the way she lived. She was only 61/2, but her father said she was an extraordinary force in the lives of loved ones.
"Emilie was bright, creative and very loving," said Robbie Parker, 30, who moved his family to Connecticut eight months ago.
An "exceptional artist" who always carried markers and pencils, Emilie never missed the chance to make a drawing or a card for those around her. "I can't count the number of times Emilie found someone feeling sad or frustrated and rushed to grab a piece of paper to draw them a picture or write them a note."
With his simple description, Parker put a face on a national tragedy. He expressed compassion for the victims and their families, and for the family of the man who killed his child, urging that the massacre "not be something that defines us but something that inspires us to be better".
Emilie's father spoke after state medical examiner Dr Wayne Carver revealed details about Friday's carnage, including the fact that each of the 26 victims was shot multiple times. Sixteen of the children who died were only six years old, while four of them were aged seven.
Most of the victims' families did not want to talk publicly. Through officials, they asked for their privacy to be respected. Some acknowledged their losses by e-mail or on social media.
Jennifer and Matthew Hubbard, parents of six-year-old Catherine, e-mailed her photo and a statement of appreciation for the "overwhelming support" from their community, and thanked authorities for their "outstanding work".