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Families of slain W&J student, man killed during bank robbery unite for vigil

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — Two families touched by tragedy united Sunday to take a stand against violence.

Tim McNerney’s and Vincent Kelley’s families joined together for a memorial in their loved one’s honors.

McNerney was beaten to death last year and Kelley was killed outside of a Giant Eagle in Washington County while trying to catch a man accused of robbing a bank inside.

According to police, Kelley tried to subdue the robber but was shot several times before the robber sped away in his car in June.

The memorial was held outside of the South Strabane grocery store, just feet from where Kelley died. His family said recent developments in McNerney’s case have given them hope.

Three people were arrested last week in connection with McNerney’s death. Family members of Kelley said they will not rest until they receive justice for their loved one.

“Let me go to sleep at night and not cry. Let me wake up and not have to miss my dad so much,” Kelley’s daughter Sierra said.

Despite their grief, the Kelley family said they are working to help other families affected by violent crime.

Police continue to search for the man accused of killing Kelley -- dubbed the “straw hat bandit.”

Investigators said the man wore a straw hat while robbing the bank. He also had on a mask and carried a black umbrella and handgun.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.