by Rachel Hunter

A heartbroken Gouverneur community on Monday, June 22 cried out “Justice for Trey” at the candlelight prayer vigil as hundreds gathered in the Gouverneur Village Park to mourn the loss of 18-year-old Treyanna Summerville.

As of press time on Tuesday, the Gouverneur Tribune Press confirmed that a 13-year-old unidentified suspect was charged with second-degree murder in the ongoing homicide investigation into Treyanna’s death. The arrest of the 13-year-old took place at New York State Troop B- Gouverneur Station, 1005 US Highway 11, Gouverneur at 3:20 p.m. on Monday. District Attorney Gary Pasqua said the suspect was arraigned in the youth part of St. Lawrence County Court on Monday afternoon. Pasqua wouldn’t comment whether Summerville’s death was the result of a domestic incident because it is the subject of an ongoing homicide investigation.

Anyone with information or tips for law enforcement is encouragement to contact their local police agency or the State Police to report relevant information, anonymously or otherwise, so that appropriate action may be taken. State police spent all day Monday investigating the Gouverneur High School student’s death at 135 Rowley Street. The first 911 call came in at 3 a.m.

Treyanna Summerville’s identity was released to news outlets Tuesday morning after authorities could notify family members of her death. Her identity was, however, widely known and spread on social media, throughout the Gouverneur community, and at the candlelight prayer vigil as the community gathered to mourn her loss.

The candlelight prayer vigil was scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. Traffic and pedestrian control was handled by the Gouverneur Police Department and St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. The Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Work was also in the Gouverneur Village Park. New York State Police were still investigating the scene on Rowley Street at the time, which is why it was moved from its original location at 135 Rowley Street, Gouverneur.

Gouverneurians arrived with candles and signs to place at the base of the tree adjacent to the Gouverneur Village Park. The candles were lit in Treyanna’s memory. Tears flowed as Gouverneur community members prayed and remembered a life taken too soon. In addition, for those who did not bring candles, tapered candles, were passed out by Jessica Miller of Route 11 Diner as Gouverneurians entered the park. The candlelight prayer vigil lasted about an hour, and culminated with the singing of “Amazing Grace.”

Treyanna Summerville, 18, was a member of the GHS Class of 2020 and was only a few short days away from walking across the stage to receive her high school diploma. The GHS Class of 2020 came out in strong numbers as the grieved over the loss of one of their own. Papers filled with messaged were put in an Angel Jar and will be placed on Treyanna Summerville’s seat at the GHS Class of 2020’s Commencement.

On Tuesday morning, Gouverneur Central School District issued this statement: “We are heartbroken over the tragic death of Treyanna Summerville and join the Gouverneur Central community in mourning her loss. We understand our students and staff will have many questions and strong emotions as they grieve. We have assembled our Crisis Intervention Team, made up of a professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. Counselors are available to meet virtually with students as needed. Please call 315-287-1900 and your request will be directed to a counselor. In looking for comfort I found this Korean Proverb – When a child dies, You bury the child in your Heart. Treyanna, you are safely in my heart. We are working with a committee of students to create a fitting recognition for Treyanna at graduation. These details will be shared when finalized.”

Southwest Career and Education Center also released the following statement: “We join together with the Gouverneur community, our students and faculty in mourning the tragic, heart wrenching loss of Treyanna Summerville. Our staff is here and available to all. We will be joining the supports GHS is putting into place for everyone and by your side always.”

Further details will be reported when they are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.