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Slain mother, sons mourned at private funeral service

Vigil in Arlington is set for tonight

A man clutched a photo as he left a funeral held in the North End for Mei Kum Jones and her twin boys, Colt and Cameron.Jessica Rinaldi For The Boston Globe

Cars of mourners lined Commercial Street in Boston’s North End Monday for the funeral of Mei Kum Jones and her twins, Colt and Cameron, who were killed in Arlington last week.

As the service at the funeral home let out, friends and family members embraced and stood shoulder to shoulder in the gusty cold. A few minutes later, pallbearers carried a casket outside to the hearse. Then came one small casket, then another. Mourners looked on in silence.

The two-hour service was private, open only to family and friends.

In condolence messages left in an online guest book, Mei Jones was recalled as a vibrant spirit and devoted mother.

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“Mei, you were [a] wonderful sister and even more loving and caring Mom who loved your boys Colt and Cameron more than life itself,” wrote her brother, Benjamin Li.

A candlelight vigil for Jones and her infant sons will be held Tuesday at Peirce Elementary School in Arlington, just down the street from the family’s home, where Jones, her two sons, and her husband were found dead Nov. 17. The vigil falls on the day the children would have celebrated their first birthday.

Authorities say Jones’s husband, Scott Jones, slashed his sons’ throats and strangled his wife before killing himself. Their bodies were discovered by police conducting a well-
being check.

Authorities have said that the couple was planning to divorce and that the slayings occurred just days after the marriage fell apart. Scott Jones had a history of depression and suicide attempts, court records show. In divorce filings, his previous wife said she feared for her safety at one point.

The vigil was organized by a neighbor, Sarah Schwartz. More than 300 people have been invited.

“Let’s come together to offer our condolences and show our support to the relatives and friends of Mei, Cameron, and Colt Li,” reads a flier posted on Facebook, which uses Mei’s maiden name. “Let’s show other families in the community who are currently in crisis that there is support available.”

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Relatives are accepting donations on the family’s behalf for REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, a domestic violence service agency, and the March of Dimes.

Schwartz said she did not know the family well, but hopes the vigil will serve as a show of community support and unity. The slayings have horrified the quiet suburban neighborhood, which is filled with young families.

Schwartz said Mei’s brother has helped her organize the event.

“We’ve been planning the whole thing together,” she said. “He’s been so warm.”

Li plans to speak at the vigil, she said. A representative from the domestic violence agency will also address the gathering.

Schwartz, who has lived in Arlington for two years, said many residents have volunteered their help, and that she has been touched by the outpouring of support.

“The neighborhood has really responded,” she said.


Peter Schworm can be reached at schworm@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globepete.