Packed house turns out for Griego vigil

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - It was a packed house at an Albuquerque mega-church where the community gathered to remember the Griego family.

A prayer vigil was held at Calvary of Albuquerque where the Griegos attended church and where Greg Griego had once been a pastor.

Pastor Skip Heitzig spoke fondly of the family, and shared stories of Greg Griego’s days at the church.

The families 15-year-old son, Nehemiah Griego, is accused of killing his father, Greg, mother Sara and three young siblings inside their home Saturday.

Deputies say the teen used an AR 15 and .22 rifle to shoot his family members, some while they slept.

At Wednesday’s service Heitzig and members of the Griego family say despite his actions, Nehemiah is not a monster.

“Nehemiah was also part of this church and we love him and we’re concerned about him.  We want him to know he is loved by God and there’s restoration in his future,” Heitzig said.

The motive for the shooting rampage is still not clear but investigators say Nehemiah told them he was upset with his mother.

The funeral for the family is set to take place Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Calvary Church.