Jersey Bridgeman, Other Murder Victims Remembered In Ceremony

Staff Photo J.T. Wampler Guests listen Thursday as Beverly Engle reads the names of all the children who have died.
Staff Photo J.T. Wampler Guests listen Thursday as Beverly Engle reads the names of all the children who have died.

LITTLE FLOCK -- Gary McCullough is still coping with the murder of his 11-month-old son.

McCullough's son, Santana, was murdered a few years ago. Michael Proffitt pleaded guilty to killing the boy and is in prison.

McCullough, his family members, police, prosecutors and others gathered Thursday at the Children's Advocacy Center to honor the memory of 11 children murdered since the center's inception in January 2000. Ten of the children were killed in Benton County and one was a Washington County case.

Small statues represent each of the children in the center's Memory Gardens.

The day -- Nov. 20 -- also marked the second anniversary of Jersey Bridgeman's death.

Jersey was killed Nov. 20, 2012. Her body was found in an abandoned house on Southeast A Street.

Small stuffed animals surround the statue representing Jersey.

There was a candlelight vigil at the center in Jersey's honor two years ago, and a year later there was a balloon release for Jersey and the other children, according to Jolana Aibangbee, development director of the center.

Aibangbee said center representatives want to use Nov. 20 each year to recognize murdered children and create more awareness of child abuse.

"It's the fire that keeps all of us going, to continue fighting for children," Aibangbee said. "This is our fuel."

Beverly Engle, the center's executive director, read the names of the murdered children. Engle said the garden was created in order for the children to be remembered.

"We can't forget," Engle said. "We can't forget their names."

Pinwheels were placed around the garden.

Natalie Tibbs, assistant director of the center, said the pinwheels represent the innocence of children. A large pinwheel was near each of the statues.

McCullough said he wanted to attend Thursday's event for his son.

"It just brings back that day," McCullough said.

McCullough said he and some family members occasionally go to the center's garden or to the burial site.

"It's still pretty rough, but it's just another challenge that we have to get through," McCullough said.

Chantel Moncibaiz, Santana's mother, said the tragedy brought them closer.

"It's made us stronger," Moncibaiz said. "We are a really close family now."

Nathan Smith, Benton County's prosecutor-elect, said Thursday's memorial is a reminder of the importance of protecting children.

"I am thankful for the great men and women in the Children's Advocacy Center, law enforcement and other community organizations who strive to protect children in Benton County," Smith said.

Zachary Holly, 29, of Bentonville is charged with capital murder, rape, kidnapping and residential burglary in connection with 6-year-old Jersey's death.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Holly lived next to Jersey's family on Southeast A Street. He and his wife sometimes baby-sat Jersey and her younger sister, according to court documents.

A medical examiner determined Jersey died from asphyxia, according to court documents.

Holly's jury trial is scheduled to begin May 11.

NW News on 11/21/2014

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