Alleged killer’s ex speaks out at vigil for Emily Thompson

The former girlfriend of the man accused of killing Emily Thompson has paid tribute to the teen at a moving vigil.

Emily Thompson. Picture: Instagram

The ex-girlfriend of Emily Thompson’s alleged murderer says she’s been left devastated by the Petrie teen’s death.

Chloe Harrison, 19, said she was “at a loss for words” after 18-year-old Ms Thompson’s life was cut short.

“I was shaking and my gut was wrenching, I was really at a loss for words,” Ms Harrison said.

Artist Chloe Harrison with the painting she made in memory of Emily Thompson. Picture: Richard Walker

She said she chose to pay her respects in a painting of Ms Thompson, inviting mourners to sign it before reflecting on her own relationship with the accused.

“We were close but then obviously things fell apart,” she said.

“I didn’t pick up on the red flags at the time, being 16 and naive, but when I look back … I wish I’d done something about it.”

Emily Thompson, 18. Picture: GoFundMe

Court documents allege Ms Thompson was killed where she met her ex-boyfriend, Aaron Daniel Mitchelson Huckel, at Rob Akers Reserve last Saturday afternoon, and her body was then dumped in bushland on the Sunshine Coast.

Her frantic family called police about 7pm when she didn’t return home, and her car was found with keys still inside at the reserve.

Mitchelson Huckel was later found at a service station at Nambour and arrested.

He has since been charged with murder.

Alleged killer Aaron Mitchelson Huckel. Picture: Instagram

Friends, family and colleagues of Ms Thompson gathered outside her workplace Friday evening to mourn the loss of the teen, saying she “left a gift on the community.”

Vigil organisers set up outside French's Forest IGA and sold sausages and cupcakes to raise money for the GoFundMe launched to raise $10,000 to help her family for “the challenging time ahead.”

Staci McCullough at the candlelight vigil. Picture: Richard Walker

Organiser Staci McCullough, who worked at the bakery next door to the IGA where Emily was employed, said the tragedy has caused shockwaves through the local community.

Miranda Griffin, Staci McCullough and Kelly Woololacott at the vigil. Picture: Richard Walker

She held back tears while speaking about the “shattered” crowd and about “lovely and beautiful” Emily.

“Our community is grieving we’re here to just make sure everyone is OK,” she said.

“We’re here for everybody, we can come together and people aren't as bad as we think they are.”

The vigil in memory of Emily Thompson at French’s Forest Shopping Centre. Picture: Richard Walker

Another vigil will be held on Saturday night at Rob Akers Reserve where Emily Thompson’s short but beautiful life was cut short.

Thompson family spokeswoman Tracey Pelling said it was important to give friends, family and even strangers a chance to grieve as one.

“Bring a candle, feel free to cry, but please don’t be afraid to speak her name,” Ms Pelling said.