BAR HARBOR (NEWS CENTER Maine) — The Bar Harbor community came together again Monday night to support the family and friends of Mikaela Conley.
The Bar Harbor resident was found dead June 2nd in a wooded area near the intersection of Route 3 and West Street by police K-9. She was just 19 years old.
Two days later, authorities arrested 21-year-old Jalique Keene, also of Bar Harbor, and charged him with the homicide.
Related: Bar Harbor man charged in murder of 19-year-old
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Conley was laid to rest over the weekend, and a "celebration of life" was held in her honor, which community members tell NEWS CENTER Maine was widely attended.
A candlelight vigil, taking place at 8 p.m. Monday on the Bar Harbor Village Green, at the corner of Mount Desert and Main Streets.
Strong winds didn't stop dozens of people from coming out, lighting candles displaying Conley's photo, and taking part in a moment of silence.
The event, being organized by town council member and Trailhead Cafe owner Matthew Hochman, as the community rallies around those who knew and loved Conley.
"We honor Mikaela by holding each other close, by using our words to support and lift each other up, [and] by resisting the temptation of hate," says Hochman, while addressing the crowd that came out Monday night.
Conley’s family owns and operate the 2 Cats Inn and cafe, which is also in town.
We're told the community plans to continue to honor Conley and rally around her family and friends in th future, although there are no further remembrances planned that are open to the public.