OAK CREEK, Wisc. (CBS) -- The stepmother of the army veteran accused of killing six people at a temple in Wisconsin is talking about her son. And the community is paying respects to the victims.
Flags around the Sikh temple of Wisconsin are flying at half staff in honor of the victims killed during Sunday's shooting rampage.
The Southern Poverty Law Center says the suspect, 40-year-old Wade Michael Page, was a member of white supremacist groups and played with skinhead bands including one called "Definite Hate."
The army veteran's stepmom, Laurie Page, hasn't seen her son since 1999. She says she doesn't remember him the way he's being described. She says, "He was gentle and kind and loving and a happy person, and a happy child. And what happened? God only knows, because I don't."
The Oak Creek temple is still blocked off as federal investigators gather evidence, but police caution they may never determine a motive. Police say Page used a handgun to shoot and kill six people and critically wound three others including police Lt. Brian Murphy.
People are remembering the victims at makeshift memorials. A man from Illinois drove to Oak Creek to put this one together - just like he did in Aurora, Colorado to honor those killed in the theater shooting.
People are laying teddy bears and other mementos in front of the wreaths. Valerie Rakowski brought six yellow roses. She says, "I just really wanted to show my respect for those killed."
She's from Oak Creek and her boyfriend is Sikh. She adds, "You hear about things on the news and you just don't ever think it is going to happen in your community and then to hear about it just shocking."
A funeral for all of the victims is planned for Friday morning. The Oak Creek community is expected to gather tonight (Tuesday) for a vigil as part of National Night Out.