BLISSFIELD, MI (Toledo News Now) - A family gives back to the community they say helped them cope with the murders of their loved ones.
One year ago, Amy Merrill and Lisa Gritzmaker were shot and killed by Merrill's ex-boyfriend, Thomas Fritz, in a home in Blissfield, Michigan.
Gritzmaker was pregnant at the time. The baby did not survive.
Fritz later took his own life in a West Virginia cabin after a 4-day manhunt.
On Sunday, family and friends put together a 5k fundraiser they say gives back to Blissfield.
"It's very touching. For our family you know, yesterday was, marked a year anniversary and it was a hard day for all of us. And this year, starts a new day for us all," said Amy's father, Terry Roope.
"They gave back to us, we're giving back to them," added Mr. Roope.
Proceeds from the 5k will be put into a scholarship fund each year that will be given to a Blissfield High School Senior.
