First Posted: 12/30/2014

CHESTERFIELD, S.C. — Candles bathed the courthouse lawn in a warm glow as friends, family and supporters gathered Friday evening to honor the memory of Hope Roscoe Melton.

A candlelight prayer vigil was held three years to the day after Melton’s killing. Authorities say then-23 year-old Nickolas Miller abducted the 30-year-old Kershaw woman before raping her and beating her to death with a baseball bat. Miller is scheduled to stand trial on a murder charge in February.

The vigil was a community effort between the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Melton’s family and other community volunteers. An estimated 100 people were on hand to show their support for Melton and her family, including S.C. state Rep. Richie Yow, R-Chesterfield.

“The vigil was humbling,” said Yow. “and three years now a reminder of what has happened and what needs to be corrected.”

Yow said he attended the memorial service to demonstrate his support to Melton’s family.

“Any time something like this happens in our community, it doesn’t just affect one family,” he said. “It affects the entire county because our families are so close-knit, and so many people know so many.”

Chesterfield County deputies arrested Miller hours after Melton’s kidnapping and murder on Dec. 26, 2011. Then-Sheriff Sam Parker said Miller confessed to the crime and information he provided led authorities to Melton’s body in Kershaw County.

Elizabeth Roscoe, Melton’s mother, said the Friday vigil was an effort to preserve Melton’s memory.

“It was a good turnout.” Roscoe said. “We wanted to keep her memory alive, and we will continue to keep her memory alive.”

Roscoe said the remembrance was bittersweet.

“It was a special time for us to remember her, but it was also painful to remember the tragedy,” she said.

Roscoe added that she and her family are grateful for the outpouring of support they have received from the community.

“We want to thank the community so very much for the kindness and support they have gave us,” she said. “We just hope that one day, justice will be done.”

Reach reporter Randy Garner at 843-537-5261 and follow him on Twitter @CherawChronicle.