Vigil Held For 10-Month-Old Girl Who Died After Sexual Assault
PASADENA, Md. (WJZ) -- A vigil in Pasadena for a baby girl. The details in the story are extremely disturbing. Police say the 10-month-old died after her mother's boyfriend sexually assaulted her.
Scores of people surrounded the family in Pasadena on Friday, consoling the mother of 10-month-old Emmaleigh Barringer.
"Like my mom said, there's no words," said Jackie Wagner.
"This is horrible, you know. This is a baby," said Pat McNeice.
West Virginia police say Emmaleigh died after a violent sexual assault. The suspect is 32-year-old Benjamin Taylor -- the mother's boyfriend.
RELATED: Md. Family Plans Funeral For Infant Who Died After Sexual Assault
On Monday, Emmaleigh's mom found Taylor with the baby in the basement.
According to the police complaint, there was: "Large amounts of blood on various blankets and articles of clothing," and Taylor was observed: "Rubbing his groin area vigorously in an apparent attempt to wipe or rub something ... presumably blood from the victim."
In a statement to WJZ, the family said in part: "It is impossible to understand what could bring a person to commit such a violent and deviant act upon a shining light of beauty like our Emmaleigh."
During Friday night's vigil, family, friends and even total strangers were present to remember baby Emmaleigh.
"We were devastated. We didn't know what to think. I don't think anybody can wrap their head around something of this magnitude," said John Fentlay.
"I don't think words can even help right now," said McNeice.
Taylor was initially charged with sexual assault, but after Emmaleigh died, he was charged with first-degree murder.
Right now, the family is planning the funeral. If you'd like to help, CLICK HERE.
