'We will not stop:' Vigil seeks justice for burned teen

BATESVILLE, Miss. — It's easy to wish righteous punishment on those responsible for the burning death of Jessica Chambers, but to hope that they turn away from their wickedness and receive perfect forgiveness would be one giant leap toward justice.

Matt Hill uttered that prayer Saturday, surrounded by more than 200 people at a candlelight vigil for Chambers, the 19-year-old Courtland woman who died after being set on fire. Her death has shocked, saddened and incensed this town in north Mississippi.

"May we be reminded that justice will not come from our lips or our status, but that justice comes from God and God alone," said Hill, pastor of Whosoever Church of God in Pope. "We hope that they are found they come to repent for the evil they've done."

The vigil ended an emotionally raw week in Panola County, one that has seen the investigation into Chambers' slaying come up with no suspects. Her family and investigators have pleaded for anyone with information to contact authorities.

Chambers' cousin Sherry Willis repeated that plea before Saturday's vigil started.

"I'm hoping someone will break," she said. "We will not stop at anything to find out who did this. This happened to all of us. We need to end our pain, her mother's pain, so we can begin to heal. With Christmas coming up, we don't need this. It's just not Christmas right now."

Those in attendance sang "Amazing Grace," lit candles and released hundreds of balloons into the twilight above the courthouse square.

"Jessica would have loved this," said Lisa Chambers, whose daughter was buried a couple hours before the vigil. "She would have never dreamed that so many people would be here."

Most of South Panola High School's 2013 graduating class — Jessica's class — attended. Some of the balloons they released were red and blue, the school's colors.

"This is what a town's supposed to be," said Joy Redwine, whose daughter is married to Jessica's older brother.

Meanwhile, about 400 mourners packed a chapel here for the funeral for Chambers, the Associated Press reported. Among them were classmates who used permanent markers to write heartfelt messages on her white metal coffin.

"Fly high, Jessica," said some, a reference to the former cheerleader's aerial acrobatics, according to the Rev. Eric Greggs, one of three speakers at the 45-minute service.

Chambers was found on Herron Road in Courtland a little after 8 p.m. Dec. 6, walking away from her burning vehicle. She had burns over 98 percent of her body. Officials immediately classified the investigation as a homicide.

She was flown to a Memphis hospital, where she was pronounced dead early Sunday morning. Lisa Chambers said her daughter was able to give emergency personnel "some names." So far, authorities have not divulged exactly what Jessica Chambers was able to tell them.

Her cellphone, found at the scene, has led investigators to question a number of people, though no one who was considered a suspect. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $11,000 reward for anyone with information to come forward. That figure could rise with the inclusion of private donors, the Marshals Service said.

District attorney John Champion said autopsy results that were originally expected Friday will not be finished until next week.

Champion has said that is likely the last bit of physical evidence outstanding. Officials will not publicly release the results upon their arrival, Champion said.