Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, February 17, 2012
(FORT WAYNE)(WANE) - A Fort Wayne elementary school is planning to memorialize a student who was killed last year, and a fundraiser is set for next week.
Police said a man who was caring for 9-year-old Aliahna Lemmon beat her to death in December, then dismembered her.
"This has been hard for students and hard for the staff. They want to find a way to remember their friend, this little girl who was tragically taken from us. This was a horrific crime, and Aliahna deserves to be remembered," said Krista Stockman, spokeswoman for Fort Wayne Community Schools.
Holland Elementary School plans to plant two trees in the girl's memory, one in front of the school, and one in the nature courtyard near her old classroom
The school has a fundraiser every year for Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. This year, though, some of the money will go toward the memorial for Aliahna. Any money left over after the memorial costs will be donated to Riley on the girl's name.
Students and staff will be encouraged to bring $1, or whatever they can afford, to school next Monday through Wednesday.
Anyone else who wants to donate can send their gift to Holland Elementary School, Aliahna Memorial Fund, 7000 Red Haw Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46807.
The trees will be planted in the spring, and students will participate in a ceremony.
Police said Michael Plumadore, 39, the man who was caring for the girl, admitted he killed her in December, but a not guilty plea was entered for him in January..
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