School Collects Donations For Slain Girl

Donations, good wishes and tears flowed at a makeshift memorial held for a slain Murrieta teenager today.

School officials and counselors opened their doors at Murrieta Valley High School to help students cope with the death of 18-year-old Saskia Burke, a senior at the school. Well-wishers dropped $20 bills and $100 checks into a bucket to help support the grieving Burke family.

A former houseguest allegedly stabbed Burke to death in her Murrieta home early Tuesday morning before turning his knife on the girl’s father and boyfriend. The two injured men are under care at area hospitals.

Murrieta Valley Principal Renate Jefferson organized the Thursday open house to help bring the community together in the face of tragedy.

“I think leaving a flower is a great way for students to express their sadness and to honor Saskia,” Jefferson said. The school will continue collecting money for the family in the front office after Jan. 4.

Jefferson sat in a security booth on campus collecting donations for the family and speaking with students and their families. She planned to turn the donations over to the Burke family tonight.

Counselors in the school office talked students through their feelings about Burke’s death.

“It certainly affects everyone differently, but it’s a tragedy for the families involved,” said Karen Parris, spokeswoman for the Murrieta Valley Unified School District. “Even when school resumes, the counseling support will continue to be available for students if they need to talk to somebody about processing what has happened.”

“It's a terrible loss for everyone, and it's so sad that young people have to learn to deal with this kind of violence.”

Burke worked for the counseling department this year and was well liked on campus, according to school officials.

Parents of the Murrieta Valley students who came to campus said they were deeply troubled by Burke’s death.

“Our kids go to Murrieta Valley, and we just wanted to help the family,” said Tracy Irland. “Our hearts are aching for them.

“I would hope the whole community comes together and is able to help them.”  

Parents said they are happy the school is trying to help the family. 

“(We’re) just reaching out to part of our Nighthawk family,” said parent Karen Mueller. “I think for everyone in the neighborhoods our hearts go out to the family.

“It’s nice the school is putting on something so we can help the family."

City employee Laura Frasso made a donation today at the school.

She said she knew it would be used for good.

“It’s just a tragedy; stuff like this shouldn't happen,” Frasso said as tears rolled down her face. “You should never lose a child before you go yourself.” 

“It’s the worst thing possible and I could never imagine it. It’s horrible,” said Frasso, who brought her 6-year-old son to the memorial.

Suspected knife killer William Gary Simpson is still at large, prompting a nationwide manhunt, according to Murrieta police.

“I have complete confidence Murrieta police will find him,” Frasso said. “There are so many other ways he could have gone about his feelings. Killing someone is never the answer.” 

Irland told Patch she thought the suspect should surrender.

 “You can’t get away, and how can you live with yourself?”