The Latest: Thousands say farewell to slain ‘Voice’ singer

MEDFORD, N.J. – The Latest on a memorial service in New Jersey for singer Christina Grimmie, who was fatally shot last weekend as she signed autographs for fans following a concert (all times local):

10:30 p.m.

Thousands of friends and fans have said farewell to “The Voice” singer Christina Grimmie at services in New Jersey.

Grimmie’s family received condolences for five hours before an emotional memorial service was held on Friday. The singer’s music was played and a large picture of her was displayed on an easel.

The service was held at Fellowship Alliance Chapel in Medford, the same church where Grimmie and her family worshipped before they moved from New Jersey to southern California in 2012, The Courier Post reports (http://on.cpsj.com/1UoaCVd).

Authorities say the YouTube favourite was gunned down the night of June 10 as she signed autographs after a show in Orlando, Florida. Her assailant fatally shot himself after being tackled by her brother.

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5:45 p.m.

Hundreds of friends and fans are in line and thousands more are expected at a memorial service in New Jersey for “The Voice” singer Christina Grimmie.

Among those offering their condolences to Grimmie’s family were Alissa and Joseph Canto. The husband and wife from outside Rochester, New York, drove 7 hours to attend the services at Fellowship Alliance Chapel in Medford.

A public memorial service is being held Friday night.

The couple, both 24, says they’ve been fans since Grimmie launched her YouTube channel when she was in high school.

The 22-year-old singer was shot to death last week as she signed autographs after a show in Orlando, Florida. Her assailant fatally shot himself after being tackled by her brother.

Grimmie lived in nearby Evesham Township, about 20 miles from Philadelphia, before moving to Los Angeles in 2012.