Mission's work continues

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

Residents of the Grace Rescue Mission said things are back to normal less than a week after two dead bodies were discovered in alleys near the center.

A security guard found Cory Benton, 17, propped up against a fence next door. Police later found Donald Frazier's, 44, body nearby.

Suddenly, the mission found itself in the middle of unwanted attention, said the Rev. Scott Allen.

"With all the things going on we had a lot of people calling concerned about their loved ones here at the mission," Allen said.

The men were not members of the mission.  Other than the location, there is no connection linking the crimes to the center, officials said.

"We can't stop our operations or worry about not going outside after dark for fear that something might happen," Allen said.

The men who call the Grace Rescue Mission home say it's one of the safest places they've ever been and last week's double homicide isn't changing their opinion.

"As long as I'm inside these walls and these fences, I'm safe, " James Trench said.

Trench is a recovering addict who says the mission has helped him get his life back on track.  He credits the center's strict rules and security.

"There's been some people who have been here for five, six, seven, eight, 10 years and never seen anything like this happen," Trench said.

Even though the shelter has had no problems it has always and will continue to provide around-the-clock security for the men and its staff, officials said.

Police still are asking for the public's help in solving the murders. If you know anything that may be able to help detectives, you're asked to give Crime Stoppers a call at (405) 235-7300.