A memorial was held Sunday for Katelynn Sampson, a seven-year-old girl who was found dead by police Aug. 2.
Seven white doves were released at the tribute, one for each year Katelynn lived
"We're going to forget about the whys for today and just remember the who, and who was Katelynn," says memorial organizer Jack Fava.
"We gave her the respect that she so deserves," adds Fava, who describes Katelynn as an innocent little girl who had her life cut short.
The gathering was held in a play area next to the Parkdale Community Centre. It's across the street from the apartment where Katelynn's body was found with what police described as "obvious signs of trauma."
Katelynn's mother, Bernice, attended the service and says Katelynn was loved and is going to be "well missed" by everybody in Parkdale who knew her.
The memorial was put together with the help of community members and police officers from 14 Division. Pictures, notes and flowers were attached to the fence around the playground and visitors were encouraged to write their thoughts on a message board.
Memorial organizer Virginia Novak says the next step is to lobby the government to change legislation that would prevent a similar situation from happening again.
Police have charged Donna Irving and her boyfriend Warren Johnson with second-degree murder in connection with Sampson's death.
