Locey’s family issues statement

The family of David Locey has issued a statement regarding last month’s conviction of Andy Brown in Locey’s 2013 shooting death.

The statement, prepared by Locey’s four children, said in an instant, one horrific action robbed an entire community of a husband, a father, a stepfather, a grandfather, a brother, a boss, a friend and leader.

The family expressed appreciation of community support since Locey’s death.

“Thankfully,” the statement read, “this nightmare has not been without a silver lining. In the past nine months, our hearts have grown to include the amazing people of Sturgis and the surrounding communities that formed a candlelight hug for the vigil, stood in the rain for hours to say goodbye at the visitation, and filled the church beyond capacity for the funeral. The numerous stories of how our dad touched your lives were such a comfort to our pain.”

The family acknowledged and thanked the jurors, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, sheriff’s department and major crimes task force squad.

Brown was found guilty of second-degree murder and felony firearm. He is scheduled for sentencing Aug. 29.