Support for Family of Jaelyn Walker

The 14-year-old was murdered in Gooseberry Park just over three months ago.

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — There was an embarrassment of riches on display at the American Legion in Moorhead on November 24th. Autographed jerseys from the likes of Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings. An entire wall of gift cards up for sale. Home cooked and baked delicacies – all for a suggested donation rather than a fixed price.

The only thing more overwhelming than the amount of goods available was the community spirit saturating the building.

“It blows all of us away,” said Doug Gullekson, grandfather of the deceased Jaeyln Walker.

“The outpouring even just the last four days has been incredible. My hat is off to Fargo-Moorhead and everyone that helped us out.”

The event was organized by a team of volunteers, but they were spearheaded by Jenaah Nyhof, who did much of the organizing when it came to the silent auction.

“It takes a village. So I just recruited my team, and the family is a huge help,” said Nyhof. “They have an army of support.”

Walker was murdered on August 20. 18-year-old Isaac Arndt has been arrested and charged with her murder.

Right now, his trial is on hold as he undergoes a competency exam.

Jaelyn’s family knows that it will take a while to get justice, and the event at the American Legion wasn’t about focusing on the tragic ending to her life.

It was about celebrating the impact she made during her 14 years on this Earth.

“Her smile is so contagious, her laugh, her singing – she had the most beautiful voice,” said Nyhof.

“We are going to miss her and think about her every day.”