LARGO, FLA — A community gathered together to celebrate the life of Jordan Belliveau, 2, who was murdered by his mother.
Charisse Stinson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of her son after she made up an elaborate story, according to Largo Police, telling detectives she and Jordan accepted a ride from a stranger, named "Antwan," who then assaulted her and knocked her unconscious then kidnapped her son.
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Memorial grows for 2-year-old allegedly murdered by his mother in Largo
Saturday evening, family, friends and strangers attended a candlelight memorial service for the little boy at Largo Central Park.
“It’s so good to see a community come together for one little boy,” Pam Sharo, who attended the memorial service, said.
People lit candles in Jordan’s honor and they released balloons in his memory. Belliveau’s father attended the memorial service. The group surrounded him and prayed with each other.
About a mile away, earlier Saturday, there was a community prayer at the location where Belliveau’s body was found.
“We are out here for you. We (are) praying for you,” Letisa Murphy, an outreach minister, said.
Those who attended said they found comfort from each other and said they want justice.
“There's so many people in this world that can’t have children and then these people that do have children don’t take care of them…kill them you know. It’s not right. It’s cruel and she needs to be put away for a very long time,” Thelma Gonzalez, who attended the memorial service, said.
In honor of Jordan's death, another community in Largo, aimed at finding safe homes for children, held an "A Door of Hope" orientation to teach couples interested in becoming foster parents exactly what it takes to do so. The program is the same one Jordan's foster parents were a part of. For more information, visit www.adoorofhope.com.
Funeral services for Belliveau have not been finalized.
