The Lower Umpqua Domestic Violence Council will host a candlelight vigil on Thursday to remember a 7-month-old Reedsport boy who was killed on April 1.

The vigil to remember Codi Nathaniel Lee Jones will begin at 7 p.m. at Barrone Park in Reedsport.

Reedsport Police and emergency personnel found Codi's face and head bruised when they arrived at an apartment on April 1 after receiving a call from 20-year-old Mickie Harer, the infant's mother. Rescuers were unable to revive the infant.

Harer's boyfriend, Christopher J. Gonsalves, 19, was arrested on murder charges in the incident and is currently being held without bail in the Douglas County jail in Roseburg. His trial is scheduled to begin in early November.

"We hope (the candlelight vigil) will help bring some awareness to domestic violence and family violence issues," said Elba England, personnel director for the Lower Umpqua Victims Services.

England said that domestic violence is a problem in almost every community and Reedsport has had its share of violent incidents in the last few years. In addition to the recent death of Codi, the community has dealt with a murder of a woman and another attempted homicide in the last three years.

"It is something the community is concerned about," she said. "We've seen a need for our services in the community and there has been an increase in the number of reported incidents here."

England said the vigil is also a way for people to come together.

"Some (people) in the community are confused and unsure of how something like this could have happened here," she said.

The candlelight vigil also will feature performances by the Melody Makers and a handbell choir. Several speakers will be there to talk about the effects of domestic and family violence and the impact it has on the community.

England said there also will be time for community members to have a chance to speak.

For more information, those interested can call LUVS at (541) 271-0221.

- Patti Richter, staff writer