What to Know
- Trinity Love Jones' body was found in a duffel bag along a trail March 5 in Hacienda Heights
- The 9-year-old girl's mother and her boyfriend were arrested and charged with murder
- Authorities have not specified how the girl died or a possible motive for the killing
Some mourners at a memorial service for 9-year-old Trinity Love Jones knew members of the family. Others had only heard about the heart-breaking case of a girl found dead, her body left in a duffel bag near a trail in Hacienda Heights.
They all came to the midday service Monday at a church east of Los Angeles to tribute the young girl and grieve. The ceremony included music, a bell-tolling ceremony outside St. John Vianney Church and a 75-candle procession escorting the small flower-adorned casket into the church. Although it was at a Catholic church, the service was interfaith, jointly celebrated by associate church pastor the Rev. Egren Gomez, along with a protestant pastor and Buddhist monk, according to the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
"We just had to come together and let this family know how much we care and love this little girl, even though we didn't know her," said Sharon Webster, of Hacienda Heights
Priscilla Tucker arrived early Monday from Compton.
"I've been here since 6:30 this morning to make sure I was here to honor that beautiful angel," said Tucker.
The Rev. Darnell Hammock shared memories of Trinity and noted the audience was made up of people who knew her family and complete strangers.
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"After speaking with Trinity's father and witnessing each of you here today, I now realize this is who she is: a unique, gifted, charismatic, beautiful, life-of-the-party young girl, and as her father described her, someone with so much character," Pastor Darnell Hammock said.
He said Trinity clearly had the capacity "to transcend generational borders and surpass economic, religious and even political party affiliations."
Gomez said that despite the "destruction and darkness" that inevitably occur in life, "Today, Trinity comes down from heaven and blesses the darkness with her eternal life."
Trinity's father, Antonio Jones, posted a message on Facebook asking that attendees "feel free to wear bright, cheerful colors, as we are celebrating a young and vibrant life."
"We sincerely appreciate all of the prayers and kind acts of love and generosity shown to our family," he wrote.
He asked that people sending flowers choose shades of lavender -- "Trinity's favorite color" -- along with pink and white.
"If you would prefer, please bring a new children's book. All books collected will be donated, in memory of Trinity, to children in need," Jones wrote.
A private burial will be held after the service at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 2161 S. Fullerton Road in Rowland Heights, followed by a 3 p.m. gathering at Hacienda Heights Community Center, 1234 Valencia Ave.
Trinity's body was found about 10 a.m. March 5 at the bottom of an embankment close to Colima Road and the 3400 block of Hacienda Boulevard, near the Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple. County workers clearing some brush came upon the body, which was partially inside a black rollaway-type duffel, with her head and upper body protruding from the partially zipped bag.
Investigators believe that the girl had been left at the scene during the afternoon of March 1. The criminal complaint alleges that the girl was killed on or about that date.
The girl's mother, 28-year-old Taquesta Graham, and her boyfriend, 38-year-old Emiel Lamar Hunt, have been charged with her murder. Authorities have not specified how the girl died or a possible motive for the killing.
