Montclair’s Sarah Butler: Fundraiser Started For Murdered N.J. College Student

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Essex County community is still in mourning almost two weeks after the shocking murder of 20-year-old college student Sarah Butler.

An online fundraising campaign has been organized in memory of the Montclair resident, whom authorities discovered deceased in Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange. The campaign can be seen here.

Prosecutors are charging that Khalil Wheeler-Weaver, 20, strangled Butler and dumped her body in a wooded section of the county park. Police arrested Wheeler-Weaver on Dec. 6.

• See related article: Montclair's Sarah Butler Strangled To Death; Police Make Arrest

“The young and bright life of our own Sarah Butler was tragically taken from us,” Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson stated. “We mourn her loss as a community and extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends.”

Jackson praised the Montclair community’s reaction and compassion in the wake of Butler’s death and urged mourners to support her family via their GoFundMe campaign.

“Let's rally around this wonderful family that has demonstrated such grace and compassion toward others during this unfathomable time,” Jackson said.

SARAH BUTLER’S LIGHT

According to the fundraising campaign, donations will help to support Butler’s family and help cover funeral and all unanticipated expenses.

As of Wednesday, the campaign has raised more than $16,000.

“We have lost a beloved member of our family and there are no words for the pain and sorrow that we feel,” the campaign states. “Sarah was a happy, caring and kind young lady who was adored by her family and friends. A freshman in college, Sarah loved to dance and was a lifeguard for the YMCA. Sarah shined a light on this world that we will never be able to replicate or replace.”

Click here to view the campaign or make a donation.

Photo: GoFundMe

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