Dexter 5K Remembers Family Lost to Domestic Violence

A 5K being held in Dexter remembers a local family who fell victim to domestic violence. The Amy, Coty, Monica Memorial 5K Race/Walk starts at Dexter Regional High School on Sunday.

Amy Lake and her estranged husband Steven Lake were in the process of getting a divorce when emotions boiled over. Steven, frustrated over not being allowed to see his children, showed up at Amy's Dexter home in June of 2011 and shot Amy, their 13-year-old son Coty, and 12-year-old daughter Monica before turning the gun on himself. Steven Lake had a history of being violent and Amy had taken out a protection order against him.

Race coordinator Kelly Gay told me the 5K was organized shortly after the tragedy as a way for the community to come together, to heal, and to show support for victims of domestic violence. And what began in tragedy has become a fun and meaningful annual event.

Along with the race/walk this year, there will be a vendor and craft fair set up outside Dexter Regional High School. The Fire Department will be selling food from their lunch wagon. Darling's Ice Cream truck will be there giving away cold treats and asking for donations for the fight against Domestic Violence. And the mascot from the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival will be helping to serve up whoopie pies!

Folks who haven't signed up yet can do so the day of the race. Registration begins at 7:30 and the runners start promptly at 9 a.m. with walkers following. For more information, log onto the event's Facebook Page.