Family, friends and members of the Jamestown community are pictured Saturday night on Prendergast Avenue for a candlelight vigil for Kevin Hornburg. The city man has been missing since November. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

Friends, family and members of the community gathered Saturday night for a city man missing since November and who police now believe may have been the victim of a crime.

A candlelight vigil was held outside the Prendergast Avenue home of Kevin Hornburg beginning at about 7 p.m. The 56-year-old has not been seen or heard from since at least Nov. 21.

The event, like several searches over the past two months, was organized by WNY Missing & Unidentified Persons, a dogged group that has helped keep the missing person case in the public’s eye.

“This is to continue raising awareness about his case and to help uplift his family’s spirit,” said Merry Williams, the founder of WNY Missing & Unidentified Persons, regarding the vigil. “Everyone is exhausted, and without those tips coming in, we weren’t sure which direction we were going to go.”

Williams said a bevy of tips have been coming in after Crime Stoppers of Western New York announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest or indictment of those responsible “for the disappearance and/or homicide of Kevin Hornburg.”

Hornburg’s family and the organization were disheartened to hear news last week that the Jamestown Police Department believes the missing man may have been the victim of foul play.

In addition, Capt. Robert Samuelson of the Jamestown Police Department told The Post-Journal that authorities were treating the situation as a “suspicious missing person case.”

In an interview last week, Samuelson said, “We have conducted multiple interviews and have collected some information that reveals that Hornburg has likely been a victim to a crime. We know there are several people who likely know what happened to Hornburg. We need them to assist us with tips so that we can bring Hornburg home to his family. All tips are strictly confidential.”

Asked of hearing the news, Williams said, “Of course, hoping that they’re wrong, hoping that Kevin is fine and will pop up. It makes me a little nervous hearing the words ‘foul play.'”

Williams, who thanked Samuelson of the police department for his effort in the case, said the missing persons group has been meeting with the Hornburg family two to three times each week.

During Saturday night’s vigil, Williams read prepared statements from Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist and state Sen. George Borrello.

Sundquist remarked: “I stand with the family of Kevin Hornburg. I applaud the diligent work of our Jamestown Police Department and all the law enforcement contributing to the search for Kevin. While we hope to find him, my thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. The entire city of Jamestown is behind you.”

Borrello said: “Kevin’s family and friends faced Thanksgiving and Christmas without him. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Thank you to all the volunteers who have dedicated countless hours to looking for Kevin. Thank you to members of law enforcement and other agencies who have assisted with the search. I join all of you in praying for Kevin’s safe return to his loved ones.”

Hornburg’s brother, Dan, also briefly spoke. “Kevin was a good man,” he said. “It’s a shame — it’s a shame nobody’s got any answers.”

Hornburg has not been seen since he left his 629 Prendergast Ave. residence around 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21. During that time, he has reportedly not accessed any of his finances, including bank accounts.

The 56-year-old is described as being 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 150 pounds. He also has a tattoo of a cross on his forearm and an unknown tattoo between his pointer finger and thumb.

Meanwhile, another search was held Sunday afternoon at Jackson-Taylor Park along Washington Street. Williams said it will likely be the last search focused within the city at this time, as the group believes Hornburg may have traveled outside the area.

Anyone with information regarding Hornburg’s whereabouts or his disappearance is asked to contact the Jamestown Police Department at 716-483-7537. Anonymous tips can also be left at 716 483-Tips (8477).