Kamille 'Cupcake' McKinney who was kidnapped from birthday party and suffocated to death is laid to rest
The funeral service for three-year-old Kamille 'Cupcake' McKinney was held in Birmingham, Alabama, two weeks after she was abducted from a birthday party and suffocated to death.
The Sunday service, which was described as more of a celebration of the deceased's life rather than her horrific demise, was held at New Beginning Christian Ministry - in its 700-seat sanctuary, and fellowship hall which was teeming with well-wishers. "I already know that our church is nowhere big enough to hold this crowd," Pastor Sylvester Wilson, who welcomed the attendees into the venue, said, ABC 3340 reported.
The centerpiece of the service was a giant wreath in the shape of the dessert item which was McKinney's namesake. Apart from that, the words "Rest In Heaven Cupcake" were written across a sash and her picture was splashed above a reading of the Psalm 23 Holy Bible chapter. A stage on which a harpist played music, was covered in flowers, pink and purple balloons, toys and a pink dress.
The family members of the little girl wore buttons featuring her face. Attendees danced and clapped along to the upbeat gospel song that played at the start of the service.
An unidentified community member, who spearheaded search and rescue mission for Kamille shared with the crowd how the victim's mother April Thomas had messaged him Friday, October 25, telling him that she was unable to sleep at night.
"When everybody is sleeping at night, it'll be the hardest part of my day, not holding her and thinking about what I could've changed to keep this from happening", the message read. "I tried so hard to be a good mother but it feels like the devil defeated me and took a big chunk out of my heart. And there's nothing I can do. A few minutes turned into a lifetime of hell."
Patrick Devone Stallworth, 39, and his girlfriend Derick Irisha Brown, 29, were both charged with capital murder in relation to McKinney's death, on Thursday.