Vigil held in Mitchells Brook outside Don Dunphy's home

People in St. Mary's Bay gathered outside the home on Don Dunphy Thursday night to take part in a candlelight vigil for Dunphy, who was killed by an officer investigating a perceived threat against Premier Paul Davis.

Dunphy was fatally shot by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer who is a member of the premier's security after it's alleged Dunphy aimed a loaded .22-gauge rifle at the officer.

The officer was at Dunphy's home investigating what a premier's office staff member interpreted as a perceived threat that Dunphy made on Twitter against Davis and MHA Sandy Collins.

Organizers of Thursday's vigil placed a candle on Dunphy's front lawn in front of the police tape.

Joan Downey, a life-long friend who helped organize the vigil, said she didn't want Dunphy's tragic death to overshadow the life he lived. 

"I have never seen anything but the utmost respect for women, for children, for animals," she said.

"The turnout here tonight just goes to prove what an upstanding citizen Don Dunphy was."

There were three moments of silence held; one in Dunphy's memory, the second for his daughter, and a third for all people suffering from work-related injuries.

Dozens of people crowded the road in front of Dunphy's home by 9 p.m.

As the vigil wrapped up shortly before 10 p.m., people gathered outside released balloons into the air.

While those at at the event were there remember Dunphy's life, some still have questions surrounded the circumstances of his death.

• 5 lingering questions in the fatal shooting of Don Dunphy

Noel Daley, a lawyer who'd originally from the area, is happy to hear a third party has been brought in to investigate. 

"Whoever made that decision has earned their year's pay right away," he said. "It's a brilliant decision."