Mariha Smith Funeral Friday
DETROIT (WWJ) - Five-year-old Mariha Smith will be buried, Friday, nearly two weeks after her burned body was found in an abandoned house in Detroit, about a mile from her home.
WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with Mike Kemp, at Peace Funeral Home in Detroit, which has been handling the arrangements.
"I think it will be nothing but Detroit love, everybody coming together and to share this grief with this family," said Kemp.
Kemp said donations have been outstanding.
"They've done everything from flowers to free programs, to the casket, to donating a grave. The funeral home really stepped up and made a really big difference, and I'm just so grateful for that," he said.
Mariha will be buried following a funeral service at Triumph Church on East. Grand Blvd. It begins at Noon.
The child was last seen in the early morning hours of July 24, sleeping on the floor of her west side home in the 3800 block of Burlingame and was later reported missing. Days later, her remains were found in a house on Waverly Street in Detroit. According to the Wayne County Medical Examiners' Office, Smith had been asphyxiated before the abandoned house was set fire.
Investigators say this case has become a top priority for homicide detectives since she . Several people have been questioned, but there are no suspects in custody.
A reward is being offered for tips leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF at 1-800 ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or Detroit Police Homicide at 1-313-596-2260. Callers can remain anonymous. For more information on ATF go to www.atf.gov.
