Hundreds gather to remember slain forensic psychiatrist Steven Pitt

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - On Monday afternoon, hundreds of people gather to remember forensic psychiatrist Steven Pitt.

Pitt, who assisted in high-profile cases including the JonBenet Ramsey mystery in Colorado and a notorious Phoenix serial killer investigation, was found dead Thursday near Scottsdale.

Pitt's family has thanked law enforcement for their devotion to the case. Pitt family spokesman Bruce Bobbins said Pitt's family also mourns the loss of the paralegals, Veleria Sharp and Laura Anderson, and counselor Marshall Levine.

Police say the suspect in the killing of Pitt and other Phoenix area homicides, identified as Dwight Lamon Jones, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Monday.

As word spread of Jones' death, there was a sense of closure for Pitt's family, allowing Monday to be a day of laughter, as well as tears.

"Part of my dad's appeal was his genuine interest in other people," said Pitt's son, Asa Pitt. "If any of you felt like my dad was interrogating you, it's probably because he was!"

Some who spoke during the service Monday said Pitt's legacy will always be as a premier forensic psychiatrist.

"While he would not have wished ill on anyone, Steven would have enjoyed this case, albeit from a very different perspective," said Pitt's brother, Darryl Pitt.

"Steve's impact on strategic case evaluation, and the potential dangerousness in offenders, was critically important in those cases," said Lt. Brian Chapman with Phoenix Police.

Equally admired was Pitt's joy for life.

"My father's outlook on life was simple, and he said everytime he took my brother and I to school. He'd say 'try your hardest, don't say can't, be nice and have fun,'" said Asa.