Mourners Say Goodbye To 11-Year-Old Girl Killed At Sleepover
(CBS) -- Hundreds attended funeral services at Living Word Christian Center for 11-year-old Shamiya Adams, who was shot and killed during a sleepover with a friend in Garfield Park.
WBBM's Kimberly Easton reports family and friends prayed, sang songs and said tearful goodbyes to Shamiya Adams. Colorful flowers, balloons, and posters with Shamiya's name surrounded her small white casket, trimmed with bright green, her favorite color.
A number of elected officials were among the attendees, including Governor Pat Quinn.
"I'm here on behalf of the people of Illinois, whose hearts are heavy," Quinn said. "There is a hole in our hearts. There are no words in the English language or any language to relieve the pain of losing such a special young child."
Shamiya was laid to rest at the Forest Home Cemetery in Oak Park.
Cook County prosecutors said Tevin Lee has been charged with two separate counts of murder, and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm, in connection with Shamiya's death.
CBS 2's Chris Martinez reports his arrest, though welcomed, is only doing so much it to stem the grief.
"We have to tell the young people there's a better way to resolve conflict when they're having disputes," said Rev. Renaldo Kyles. "There's a better way than going and getting a gun and to shoot somebody."
Earlier in the week, Shamiya's family reached out to the public asking for help in paying for the girl's burial. CBS 2 has been told they had an overwhelming response in donation including help paying for the services Saturday from Chicago Public Schools.