4:26 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Community responds to death of Jorelys Rivera

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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

While investigators worked around the clock to solve a murder case involving 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera, others in the Canton community worked to keep the girl's memory alive.

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A bouquet of flowers was left near the dumpster, seen in background, where the body of 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera was found off Reinhardt College Parkway in Canton on Tuesday.

Curtis Compton, ccompton@ajc.com A bouquet of flowers was left near the dumpster, seen in background, where the body of 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera was found off Reinhardt College Parkway in Canton on Tuesday.

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Channel 2 Action News After the body of 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera was found Monday, Dec. 5, 2011, police said she had been murdered.

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"Jorelys was an energetic student who was known as a friend to all," Canton Elementary School Principal Gwen Lince wrote in a letter sent to parents Tuesday. "She always came to class in a good mood with a smile on her face. She was always willing to help out her classmates and loved playing with her friends and giving hugs."

Jorelys, a first-grader at the school, disappeared while taking a break from the playground Friday afternoon in her apartment complex. Her body was found Monday in a trash bin and investigators said Tuesday they working to identify suspects in the killing.

Classmates and friends plan to display pink and green ribbons at the elementary school later this week, Barbara Jacoby, school district spokeswoman, said Tuesday.

A bank account has been created for those who would like to donate money to the family. Money can be donated to The Jorelys Rivera Memorial Fund at any branch of United Community Bank, a bank spokeswoman told the AJC. Donations can also be mailed to the branch at: 2215 Riverstone Boulevard, Canton, Ga. 30114.

Anyone with questions regarding the memorial fund should contact the bank at 770-479-6700.

A Facebook page called "Light Up Canton for Jorelys" was created Monday and encouraged those in the community to leave porch lights on to honor the slain girl.

"Let's show this family that we care, and let's show this killer that we are all united until he is hunted down and brought to justice," the Facebook page stated.

Monday night, neighbors and friends held candles and brought flowers and stuffed animals to the playground, creating a makeshift memorial.