Denise Wright posted this picture of her daughter, Jenise, on Facebook. The family has set up an account at Chase Bank, the Jenise Wright Donation Account, to help with funeral and other costs.
Hundreds of people turned out for a memorial service in honor of Jenise Wright, a six-year-old member of the Nooksack Tribe who was murdered earlier this month. Family members and friends remembered a happy, outgoing girl who was always smiling and eager to make friends. "Jenise was a bright star in our life," her older sister, Melanie Davis, said, according to news reports. Jenise's father, Jim Wright, has urged forgiveness for the family of Gabriel Z. Gaeta, a 17-year-old neighbor who has been charged with first-degree murder, felony murder and first-degree rape of a child. He also said he's been unfairly blamed for the death of his daughter. “I’ve been incriminated. I’ve been slandered. I’ve been run through the dirt. I’ve been run through the mud. My name is now useless. How am I going to seek employment and continue taking care of my family after all of this process?” Wright told KING 5 News. Two of the couple's minor children were removed from the home following the crime. The Wrights are in court today to regain their custody with the support of the tribe. "Our hearts are heavy and our tribal community is saddened at the loss of our beloved tribal member, Jenise Wright and our condolences go out to the family," the tribe said in a statement, KING 5 News reported. Get the Story:
Hundreds honor, celebrate life of 6-year-old Jenise Wright (KOMO 8/16)
'I Can't Hold On To Anger': Grief at Jenise Wright's Funeral (NBC News 8/16)
Sister: 'Jenise was a bright star in our lives' (KING 5 News 8/17)
Jenise Wright: Mourners recall bubbly 6-year-old (The Seattle Times 8/17)
Jenise Wright's parents in custody hearing Monday (KING 5 News 8/18)
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