Syracuse, NY — Dozens of balloons, candles and stuffed animals lined a fence behind the Brick School Terrace apartments on Salt Springs Road Thursday night.
Past the fence, the body of 5-year-old Neffy Harris was found this week buried in a field in her pajamas with a blanket wrapped around her. She was left there for three months after police told her mother to beat her to death.
More than 40 people — family, friends and strangers — came Thursday night to honor and remember the little Syracuse girl.
Neffy’s mother, Latasha Mott, 29, was charged Monday after police said she admitted to beating her daughter to death in the shower with a belt Jan. 6, then eventually burying her in the field.
Mott’s boyfriend, Corrice Parks, is also a suspect but has not been charged, said Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick.
Neffy’s father, aunt and uncle attended Thursday’s vigil. They stood silently together in front of the fence, staring at the lit candles, pink and purple balloons and stuffed teddy bears.
Niosha Smith, Neffy’s foster mom, also attended. She said she brought Neffy home with her from the hospital at three days old.
“I nurtured her and mothered her until she was 22 months old,” Smith said.
Mott lost custody after cocaine was found in Neffy’s system at birth.
Smith said she fought to see Neffy ever since she had to give custody back, concerned about her care.
Community leaders emphasized the need to support Neffy’s family. Donations were collected and leaders offered to cover needs.
“Everybody’s heart is heavy right now,” Clifford Ryan said. “How we handle this as a community is important right now… (The family) is going to need our love and support.”
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Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him at [email protected].
