Goodbyes said to two Main St victims

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - While the case is being developed, the dead are being laid to rest. Thousands of mourners took part in Friday's double funeral for two cousins who were also best friends.

The community really wrapped itself around these two grieving families. The turnout at the church was impressive. More than 3,000 mourners attended a beautiful tribute to these two young women.

Her t-shirt said it all, "They always take the best." Tammi Folmar says her friends, Tiffany Whilhite and Shawn-Tia McNeil, were her "number one rock stars."

"They said they weren't even there 20 minutes, wasn't even in there long. It's crazy," said Tammi.

Tammi wasn't at the City Grill, but she was among the hundreds of mourners who gathered at True Bethel Baptist Church for a memorial service for the two female cousins.

Tammi said, "I am angry. Really angry. The friends of the person who did it, I guarantee they know, and just won't say nothing."

Another friend, Erica Moreland, told News 4 that she was headed to the restaurant when gunfire erupted. She knew many people in there.

"As soon as they heard shots, they put tables and saw people falling. It's so scary. Cause, I mean, even though it happened there, it could happen anywhere," said Erica.

It's been almost a week since the mass shooting. At the request of both families, this service was private, except when Pastor Darius Pridgen announced a new reward fund for the shooter's capture and conviction. It started out at $4,000; it now tops $20,000.

Pastor Darius Pridgen said, "If you're going to commit a crime in Buffalo, New York, you better get out of town as fast as you can."

While the service was underway, police arrested one of three people wanted for questioning in the case. Some mourners now want to learn more about the primary suspect.

Dolores Johnson said, "That would be great [if they released a composite], then you know what you're working with."

The deadly shootings have made some people think twice about going out. They look at the line of mourners, and feel the pain.

"It just aint right. He need to get caught. Something need to happen. Something," said Tammi.

As soon as the reward fund was revealed, pastors from other churches, including one in Rochester, came forward with donations, as did several funeral homes, and individuals. The fund continues to grow. Of course, the pastor is hoping the prime suspect turns himself in.

If the money goes unclaimed, it will be divided up evenly and donated to the four families of the shooting victims. Obviously, it doesn't bring their loved ones back, but is a kind gesture.