Bakersfield.com: Kern County news, events, classifieds, shopping, & search

Harper family thankful for support

This story originally appeared July 18, 2003

By DANIELLE C. BELTON, Californian staff writer
e-mail: dbelton@bakersfield.com | Thursday, Feb 15 2007 3:31 PM

Last Updated: Thursday, Feb 15 2007 3:31 PM

Members of slain local activist Earnestine Harper's family said they have full confidence in the Bakersfield Police Department to find their loved ones' killer.

"Obviously we're going to be there for (the police). We're fully prepared to do whatever is necessary," said Earnestine Harper's son Robert N. Harper Thursday during a news conference the family held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bakersfield.

Earnestine Harper, 70, her daughter Joanie Harper, 39 and Joanie's three children were found dead in their Third and P streets home July 8.

Police have named one suspect in the homicides, Vincent Edward Brothers, 41 -- the husband of Joanie and father of her three children.

Brothers has been under scrutiny by the police and media since the bodies were discovered. Unmarked police cars have been following his movements and detectives have searched his apartment, cars and rental home in Ohio.

Although he was briefly placed under arrest July 9, he was released hours later.

After hosting several news conferences in the days immediately after the discovery of the bodies, Bakersfield police officials have been tight-lipped about what direction the investigation is heading in next.

Harper family members said they were happy to meet Brothers, whom most met for the first time during Wednesday's funeral service.

Attended by at least 2,000 people, the nearly three-hour funeral service nearly filled the lower and middle decks of the Bakersfield Convention Center on Truxtun Avenue.

Brothers had been working with the Harper family via the phone to coordinate the funeral, according to Harper family representative, Dee Slade.

Eddie Harper said the family was glad Brothers came to the service.

"We ate together and we are grateful for that," he said, adding that the family was not "pointing fingers" regarding possible murder suspects.

"Having talked with him, I think he's a very pleasant person. And not only that, but he's very accommodating," Eddie Harper said. "What more could you ask for?"

Relatives of the slain five were resilient, saying a culprit would be found if it was "God's will."

"Our position is since our Lord has taught us to forgive ... you have to forgive people and that's what we're doing," said Robert Harper of Houston. "Whatever happens to these persons responsible will not affect us. I hope that whomever did it will be impressed by the spirit of Christ."

"To be honest with you we have accepted what has happened to our relatives," said Eddie Harper of Winter Haven, Fla.

Their eyes were glassy with tears, but their voices were steady as Earnestine Harper's sons and her daughter Linda Piggee answered questions at the DoubleTree.

Most of the news conference was focused on thanking the community of Bakersfield for being so open and helpful during such a difficult time.

"I just do appreciate everyone of Bakersfield, the kindness they've shown," Piggee said. "I've just been overwhelmed."

Eddie Harper said the family felt honored to be able to speak to so many about their mother and the many things she did out of love for her family, community and the Church of Christ.

"We're here to let the world know that the work she accomplished will live on," said Eddie Harper. "She was truly a servant and she loved people dearly."

The siblings said they will be in Bakersfield for a few more days to tie up loose ends. They are still trying to decide what to do with the numerous plants, stuffed animals, toys and candles people have left surrounding their mother's home.

"We're discussing that right now," said Robert Harper. "We may divide them up among the places that we're considering."

Piggee said after the conference that they will likely give many of the items away.

"To give whatever we can -- that's what our mother was. She was giving," she said.

Eddie Harper said all the media attention was a new experience to the family, but they were grateful just to be able to turn the tragedy into something positive.

The Harpers said they hoped their story and their mother's would bring good things to other's lives.

"It really gives us an opportunity to accomplish in death what our mother wanted to accomplish in life," Eddie Harper said.