ALGER, Wash. -- The community gathered on Friday under the darkness that has loomed since a shooting rampage tore through the tiny town, leaving six dead earlier this week.

"This is a dark situation," said Pastor Rich Deruiter. "It's dark spiritually and morally and any way you want to look at it."

Investigators believe 28-year-old Isaac Zamora, who is described as "desperately mentally ill" by his own mother, shot and killed six people and injured four more during a fit of rage.

Skagit County Sheriff's Deputy Anne Jackson, 40; Chester Rose, 58; David Radcliffe, 58; Greg Gillum, 38; Julie Binshcus, 48; and Leroy Lange, 64, were killed.

On Friday Zamora declared, "I kill for God. I listen to God,"at a hearing where six charges of first-degree murder and four of first-degree assault were filed against him.

Both victims' families and investigators are struggling with many unanswered questions that remain. With dark, unsettled hearts they gathered at Alger Community Church to honor the lives of those senselessly gunned down.

And amid the darkness there was light. Burning candles dimly lit the grief-stricken faces as the bell tolled six times for each life lost.

"There's a lot of hurt and anger, and hopefully there can be forgiveness," said Annette Medford, Binschus' co-worker.

Tears ran free as the community listened to those who lost so much so suddenly.

Nicholas Lange mourned for his father, Lance.

"He was a great man, a loving father, a great husband to my mother," he said.

Fred Binschus was shot twice during the rampage, but managed to survive. His wife, Julie, however, did not. Fred said he could not imagine his life without his love.

"My life's never going to be the same," he said. "She gave her life for me and I'd give mine for her, I'd trade places with her today."

And many, lost and hurt, looked to each other for support.

"It's the kind of darkness that we don't know our way out of, so to light a candle is a symbol of finding our way in the dark," Deruiter said.

"It's going to be hard, especially for family members. But they'll get through it, we'll get through it. We'll help them get through it," said Gina Cobb.