On Monday night, a small crowd assembled beneath a tent at the German Town Center in Montgomery County to remember Sarah and Jacob Hoggle, the two toddlers who vanished twelve years ago. The gathering, marked by flickering candles and a heartfelt prayer read by a woman identified only as Amber, highlighted the enduring grief of a community still seeking answers.
Family’s plea for remembrance and justice
Father Troy Turner, standing beside a banner displaying photos of his children, thanked those who came to honor the memory of Sarah, three, and Jacob, two, at the time of their disappearance. Holding a white candle, Turner reflected on the passage of time, noting, “It’s been 13 birthdays, 13 Easters, 13 Christmases, 13 Halloweens… and we’re in the exact same place that we started.” He pledged to keep fighting for the day his children are found and can rest in peace with their family.
Legal background
On September 7, 2014, Catherine Hoggle, the children’s mother, disappeared with Sarah and Jacob. While Catherine’s body was later recovered, the toddlers have never been located. Authorities say Hoggle refused to disclose the children’s whereabouts. She was initially charged with kidnapping and neglect before being committed to a state psychiatric facility.
A grand jury indicted Hoggle on murder charges in 2017, but a judge later ruled she was incompetent to stand trial, ordering further psychiatric treatment. In August, a judge ordered another psychiatric evaluation as the trial approaches, with the courtroom date set for October. Hoggle’s attorney maintains she cannot be held criminally responsible because she was legally insane at the time of the disappearance. Her next scheduled court appearance is September 24.
Annual vigil keeps hope alive
Turner has organized a similar candlelight vigil each year since the children vanished, turning the event into a solemn tradition that unites neighbors, friends, and extended family. The gathering serves not only as a remembrance but also as a public reminder that the case remains open and that the community continues to demand answers.
Local residents expressed solidarity, offering prayers and support for the Hoggle family. “We will keep fighting,” Turner said, echoing the sentiment of many who have attended the vigil over the years. The community’s presence underscores a shared belief in the value of family, the sanctity of life, and the pursuit of justice.
Looking ahead
As the trial date draws near, the Hoggle family hopes the legal process will bring clarity and, ultimately, closure. For now, the candlelight vigil stands as a poignant reminder of the children’s absence and the community’s unwavering commitment to keep their memory alive.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
