Memorial service held for 11 year old Sheffield girl Connie Gent
11-year-old Connie Gent was one of four people who were killed at a property in Killamarsh
Last updated 28th Oct 2021
A memorial service has been held for a Sheffield girl who was one of four people found dead at a house in Killamarsh in September.
11-year-old Connie Gent was killed at a property on Chandos Crescent last month, along with three other people.
Today mourners gathered at Sheffield's Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium to hear readings, poetry and tributes to Connie, who was a student at Outwood Academy City.
People gathered outside the packed crematorium to listen and remember. Among them was David Taylor from Church on the Streets in Killamarsh.
"Difficult, I can imagine what it was like inside because it was difficult outside."
"Many of the people I think that were here didn't really know Connie. They came just because of how tragic circumstances were."
Another memorial gathering for the four victims is being held at 3pm on Saturday at Baker Park in Killamarsh.
Earlier this month Connie's father Charlie Gent said life without his 'best friend' was 'almost unbearable'.
"I'm waking up every day and I'm still here, but none of this feels real.
"It's a bit like I'm watching this as somebody else.
"She's been my best friend and she was my biggest fan.
"Every single moment I spent with my daughter was a special moment.
"I don't think you realise how special those moments are until something as tragic as this happens, so spend all the time you possibly can with your kids.
"It's going to be so hard to think of her not growing up. I wanted the world to know who Connie was. She's my angel."
Damien Bendall, of Chandos Crescent in Killamarsh, is set to go on trial next year after being charged with murdering Connie, 11-year-old Lacey Bennett, 13-year-old John Paul Bennett and 35-year-old Terri Harris.
The 31-year-old defendant has been remanded into custody is due to next appear in court in November for a pre-trial hearing.