Feb 10, 2008 1:03 pm US/Eastern
Almost 1,300 People Attend Browning Family Funeral
LUTHERVILLE, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Saturday was the final goodbye for thousands still reeling from the murder of a Cockeysville family, and forgiveness of the teenage son responsible for their deaths was the message at the memorial service.
Final goodbye for thousands still reeling from the murder of a Cockeysville family. As
Gigi Barnett reports, there's forgiveness for the 16-year-old son who now faces murder charges.
On the day of his sixteenth birthday, Nicholas Browning sits behind bars as his mother, father and two younger brothers are laid to rest.
"Although this is a time of deep sadness for our loss, it is also a day of appreciation, remembrance and celebration for the lives that John, Tammy, Greg and Ben have lived," said Rev. Bill Brown, the family's pastor.
Those lives were cut short last week in the family's Cockeysville home.
Police say John and Tammy and their two sons, 14-year-old Greg and 11-year-old Ben, were slain by Nick.
In a statement read by the family's pastor, mixed with the emotions of sadness, there's forgiveness, too.
"Our concern and love also go out to Nick. Whatever else lies ahead, he is a member of our family and he will have our support," it said.
While the Brownings were members of another church, their funeral was held at Trinity Assembly of God in Lutherville. It's a church that could accommodate the hundreds who wanted to show their support.
"I think more than anything...my experience and just what I deeply believe...is that the Lord brings comfort," said Kelly Harrison.
At the service, members of Nick's Boy Scout troop participated, while other friends spoke about each member of the Browning family.
"They were telling stories. They were getting a few laughs here and there. John Browning's brother in law, Sam Adams, said, `If John were here, he'd be smiling,'" said Amanda Kell.
The end of the service offered words of hope and prayers of thanksgiving, lending comfort for a grieving community.
Nearly 1,300 people attended the funeral. Meanwhile, Nicholas Browning has been charged as an adult.
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