HILLMAN – In a community with a population of just over 700 residents, any tragedy will become the talk of the town. When the tragedy is two horrifying homicides in one month, sometimes it just seems a little too much.

On Aug. 6 Eric Shay of Hillman shot and killed Danielle Klein of Atlanta in the early morning hours. Following this, Shay notified a family member to pick up the child – who was at the scene – and he then took his own life.

Already in shock, the community suffered another tragic episode in the early morning hours of Aug. 28.

Kyle Boldrey of Hillman got into a dispute with Trevor Hubbard, allegedly after experimenting with synthetic drugs, which resulted in Hubbard’s death.

Following this Boldrey went to the residence across the street where he is accused of assaulting three others, including one who ultimately died for the injuries he received.

Boldrey was arraigned in 88th District Court in Atlanta on Aug. 30 for a seven charge warrant; two counts of open murder, two counts assaulting with intent to murder, one count of home invasion, and two counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.

Doug Morrison, manager of Morrison’s IGA Foodliner, said these events do not represent the community at large.

“This is a tough time,” Morrison said. “But we have a tight community that has really come together.”

Morrison was proud of his community for coming together in any tough time, whether helping a community member after a fire, raising money for a cancer patient, or – as in this case – two difficult homicides.

“When anything happenings it’s tough,” Morrison said. “But when you know the mom, the dad, the grandparents, it makes it all the more though.”

Morrison said the most important thing is that no one should live in fear because of these events. He said while locking your house and car are prudent measures, withdrawing from the community or being afraid to go into public is not the right way to handle this.

Jack Mathias, owner Thunder Bay Resort, echoed the tight community sentiments and said he saw people were in shock and dismay.

“This is statistically a low crime area,” Mathias said. “I think obviously people are in shock and rumors are flying. People are curious.”

Mathias believed these events were isolated but believed drugs, especially synthetic and prescription drugs, were one cause of crime in the area.

On Monday the community held a prayer vigil at Emerick Park where Morrison said five ministers from five churches came to offer prayers. He said there was a great turnout but wished more of the youth came out to attend the event.

“It’s too bad that this unity is the result of such tragic events,” Morrison said.

There will be another event for the community today. The event will start at the octagon pavilion at Emerick Park at 10 a.m. where people will be split into groups to pray at different businesses in the community.

Anyone can attend the event that hopes to ask God for peace and strength during difficult times.

Tyler Winowiecki can be reached via email at twinowiecki@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688. Follow Tyler on Twitter tw_alpenanews.