Slain Lululemon Employee Honored and Remembered

In a non-descript walk-up on Elm Avenue in the heart of Bethesda, members of the community, friends and colleagues quietly gathered Friday evening to remember and honor Jayna Murray, a Lululemon Athletica employee who was murdered March 11.

Candles illuminated the bank of windows facing the street as those inside were led in prayer and meditation. And then, with candles in hand, they formed a procession and walked in silence towards Bethesda Row, stopping within view of where Murray met her demise. As they sang “Amazing Grace,” passers-by who ventured out in the balmy night air joined in — their numbers swelling to more than 75.

“It’s really ripped into my soul — it’s so close,” Keith Day, of Bethesda, said.

He didn’t know Murray and added that he imagined her in the store at the time of the attack.

“It’s harrowing. I just needed to come and say, ‘I care.’ That’s my neighbor."

Eleni Rizakos, community director at The Mindfulness Center, said the evening’s focus was to support the community.

“No matter who did it, it’s still a tragedy — everybody’s affected.”

Ian Bailey, a personal trainer at the center, called Murray a “spunky girl.” Both he and Rizakos spoke of the positive relationship between the center and Lululemon.

“Having something in common — mindfulness — brings people closer together,” Rizakos said.