May 19, 2013
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - With re-trials for the Christian-Newsom murders looming, hundreds got together to show the families they still support them.
The Shepherd's Riding Club sponsored a concert in Maryville at the Shed to help raise money for the Christians and Newsoms.
They said the most important thing is to keep alive the memories of Channon and Chris.
This was a night of laughs, love, and rock and roll from Southbound.
"Gives us a chance to enjoy something like this. Gives us a chance to relax, really let our hair down," said Hugh and Mary Newsom.
For the Newsom and Christian families, it's a mental release and a chance to put a smile on. They were surrounded by those who are still standing behind them.
"Let them be happy, and let them see how much this community supports them and loves them and they're behind them 100%," said organizer Erin Warwick.
"What gets us through everyday is our friends and our family," said Gary Christian. "And most of our friends have become our family," said Deena Christian.
"I'm glad the people come out and they still remember and contribute, and just want to keep their names alive. It makes us feel good that they do that," said Mary Newsom.
But it's not just emotional support. All the money raised through ticket sales and t-shirts is going to the families as they prepare for another round of trials in their pursuit for justice.
"Got nowhere to go, nothing else to do that's more important than finishing what we started," said Gary Christian.
The two were on the minds of everyone here, and the Newsoms believe they were watching from above.
"There's two stars right there, up in the sky, That's Chris and Channon," said Hugh Newsom. "The two brightest stars in the sky," said Mary.
The Shepherd's Riding Club is sponsoring another upcoming event for the Christian and Newsom families, a memorial bike ride.
That's on Father's Day weekend.
