Candle in the wind

Family and friends of Melisa Gregory and Steven Fisher huddled close Tuesday, during a chilly but poignant candlelight memorial on the Jasper County Courthouse steps.

This is the third time such an event was held to remember the young couple on the anniversary of their March 3, 1983 murders at the former Copper Dollar Ranch northwest of Newton.

A spiral note book rested on a table in front of framed photographs of Steven Fisher and Melisa Gregory — a candle with the likeness of Jesus Christ burned at the table's center. The book held the signatures of those who have attended all three candlelight vigils for the CDR victims. The names of 27 visitors from Tuesday's gathering were penned by 6:40 p.m. during the 6 to 7:30 p.m. vigil.

Tuesday's memorial held special meaning for those close to the victims, directly following the double murders trial of the killings' primary suspect — Fisher's estranged wife Theresa "Terri" Supino.

In attendance were Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty, County Attorney Mike Jacobsen and Assistant County Attorney Scott Nicholson, the three individuals who investigated the case and tried Supino in a Black Hawk County Courtroom. Although a jury ultimately found her not guilty, the families of the Steven and Melisa showed great appreciation during Tuesday's memorial.

Prior to a moment of silence for the sister she lost, Lisa Gregory thanked the small crowd that assembled on the courthouse steps. Holding a tiny candle struggling to stay lit in the wintry breeze, she gave a special thank you to Halferty and the two prosecutors.

"I thank you guys for doing this. It gave us a little bit more of what we’ve always known. It’s not something that we wanted to happen, but we’re OK with it now," Gregory said. “Your families suffered as well with all the man hours you put it, and we thank you. There are not enough thank yous.”

Bernie Cahill, Melisa Gregory's uncle, stood next to Lisa and his wife Jolene and also thanked the sheriff and prosecutors while others in the crowed followed.

All three men told the families "you're welcome."

From the center of the huddle, Karen Gregory, wife of Melisa's brother Scott, said she believes families of the victims will see justice in some form.

“Sometimes things are not for us to understand," she said. "All we can do is have faith and in the end justice will be done.”

Contact Mike Mendenhall at mmendenhall@newtondailynews.com