A community vigil will be held Sunday evening in Germantown in memory of William “Vance” Payne II, the 58-year-old husband and father of five who was killed in a crash involving a stolen vehicle earlier this month.
The vigil, organized by a community member under the theme “One Candle. One Hour. One Community,” is scheduled for Sunday, August 16, from 8 to 9 p.m. near the intersection of Great Seneca Highway and Clopper Road, where the fatal collision occurred. Attendees are invited to bring a candle or flower, say a prayer or participate in a moment of silence.
Organizers described the gathering as a peaceful and respectful community vigil and are asking attendees to remain on sidewalks, stay a safe distance from the roadway, avoid interfering with traffic and park only in safe and legal spaces.
Payne was killed at approximately 5:25 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, when police say his Toyota Matrix was struck by a Kia Optima that had been reported stolen from Germantown several hours earlier. The Kia was occupied by seven juveniles between the ages of 12 and 15, including a 13-year-old driver.
A GoFundMe established for Payne’s family has raised more than $100,000. Organizers of the fundraiser described him as a loving, funny, patient and dedicated family man who was on his way to work when he was killed.
Montgomery County Police continue to investigate the collision. Police have said the investigation could take several weeks to months, with any potential charges to be determined by the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office after investigators present their findings.
