MONROE, MI (TOLEDO NEWS NOW) - People gathered in Monroe's St. Mary's Park for what was called a celebration of the life and memory of Nevaeh Buchanan.
Prayers were said and candles lighted to honor the five year old little girl.
"I liked her jokes. She would laugh and giggle around me. She was a happy go lucky girl. I wish she was here" says Nevaeh's great-aunt Diana Lawson.
Nevaeh was playing outside her apartment on May 24, 2009 when she disappeared.
Days later, her body was found by a fisherman encased in cement along the banks of the River Raisin.
Her kidnapping and murder is a reminder to all parents to keep an eye on their kids.
"Just for the people to watch their kids. It's hard. I see a lot of parents because I work in a store. I see a lot of them not paying attention to their kids" says Nevaeh's grandmother Sherry Buchanan.
People remain angered by the slaying. They're frustrated though the case is unsolved.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Department recently said they're closer to arresting the killer.
"Should have been solved a long time ago. I think it's right in front of everybody. Just a matter of going back and looking at it again. See if anything was missing" according to Buchanan family friend Rev. Dale Hayford.
The group "Justice for Nevaeh" organized the vigil.
They're offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nevaeh's murderer.
"Because someone knows what happened. We're looking for that last missing link and we need to find it to get her the justice she deserves" says Justice for Nevaeh member Risa Smith.
And bring closure for those who remember Nevaeh Buchanan for what she was.
"As a sweet, innocent child" says great aunt Joanne Combs.
