Justice Still Sought Five Years After Nevaeh Buchanan, 5, Found In Shallow Grave

MONROE (WWJ) It's been five years since a five-year-old Monroe girl, Nevaeh Buchanan, disappeared with her body found two weeks later in a shallow grave along the River Raisin.

A group of friends and family remembered her with a balloon release and memorial service Saturday in St. Mary's Park in Monroe, and they're upset her killer hasn't been found.

Even though Risa Smith, vice president of Justice For Nevaeh, says some investigators have reportedly said they know who kidnapped Nevaeh from the parking lot of her apartment complex and killed her, they don't have enough evidence to charge them.

"Now I am infuriarated, I am angry, upset, I'm mad, I'm heartbroken," Smith said.

Smith says they've been told that the suspect is in prison on unrelated charges, and she says that's not justice for Nevaeh.

"There's a possibility if we had an idea of who this was, we could possibly find out or talk to other people and get the information that we need," she said. "I think they kind of justified it, to some degree, by telling us he would be in prison for the next decade, on an unrelated felony. I don't see how anyone can see that that's justice for Nevaeh."

Police did not immediately respond to calls from CBS Detroit seeking comment on the allegation.

Investigators told WXYZ they have received several tips over the years, but still need a break in the case to charge anyone with her murder. They call it an open investigation.

There is an ongoing $50,000 reward for anyone who provides a tip leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. Anyone with information should call the Monroe County Sheriff's Department at 734-240-7401.