The memory of a 3-year-old girl killed in a case of abuse, lives on in Taft. The community came together Monday night for a candlelight vigil to remember Trinity Hanna and take a stand against child abuse.
They believe Trinity's death was preventable, and they don't want another child to die from abuse.
"This is what Taft is about," said Ashley Hopkins, one of the vigil organizers. "It's about love and compassion and sharing and being supportive of each other even if it's something as tragic as this."
Kern County Sheriff's Detectives say Eric Foster, the live-in boyfriend of the toddler's mom, Angela Vickrey, confessed to abusing the toddler to death.
Volunteers made and sold ribbons with Trinity's name and sold t-shirts at the vigil. Much of the proceeds will go toward Taft's Alpha House, a crisis intervention and domestic violence shelter.
"You know, just try to wake people up that are out there, that are maybe having the conflict right now," said Paul Migles who attended the vigil. "Having the conflict on their mind on whether or not, what's going on. Maybe they are seeing stuff and they are kind of questioning it. Maybe this will get people to step up."
Organizers hope the event helps shed some light on abuse and the ripple effect of the pain it causes so more people speak up when the smallest of voices, who are the victims, can't.
"This isn't just a mom's problem or a dad's problem or a family problem. This is everybody's problem," said Hopkins.
"I believe it was for every child out there that needs to be saved or needs someone to step up for them," said Holi Allen, the Alpha House director.
There's another fundraiser for the Alpha House next weekend. Artists at Copper Rose Tattoo Parlor in Taft are holding "Tattoos for Trinity." Select one of several tattoos and donations will go to the shelter.
