Broken Arrow City Councilor Mike Lester reports that the Bever Family – First Responders Memorial Garden Fund has reached the $50,000 needed for the purchase of the former Bever family house. Lester led a fundraising campaign to turn the property into a memorial park and garden, after the brutal killing of five family members occurred there in July 2015. Police arrested two brothers in connection with the crime. The notoriety of the murders have made the house a target of vandals and onlookers. In late March, soon after the fundraising efforts were announced, the house was set on fire, destroying most of the building.
“I want to thank everyone who gave so generously. Each little bit helped. The $10 and $20 donations are just as important as the larger amounts given by members of our faith and business community,” said Lester. “The tragedy that happened at the Bever house in July 2015 set off a wave of compassion not only in our community, but the entire metropolitan area. I look forward to creating a beautiful, peaceful memorial that will honor the victims and the first responders.”