Candlelight vigil to be held in Mississauga for slain 11-year-old girl
Posted February 16, 2019 8:15 am.
Last Updated February 16, 2019 2:46 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
As a makeshift memorial continues to grow outside the Ontario home where Riya Rajkumar was found dead, community members in Mississauga have organized a vigil to remember the 11-year-old girl.
Riya was the subject of an amber alert on Thursday night that ended tragically when her body was found in her father’s Brampton home.
Roopesh Rajkumar is now facing a first-degree murder charge in her death.
Vigil organizer Amrita Naipaul, who was a classmate of Riya’s mother in 2016, said she asked her for permission to organize a celebration of her daughter’s life.
“Whether the family comes or not, we want to stand in memory of this little girl and celebrate her life,” Naipaul said. “So if anyone wants to say anything, or just stand in silence, it’s just an opportunity for this community to come together in solidarity for this little girl and her family.”
The candlelight vigil will be held at Meadowvale Village Green at 6 p.m. Saturday. Riya attended elementary school nearby at Meadowvale Village Public School.
Naipaul said she will be arriving early to go around the neighbourhood to spread the word and set up a photo of Riya.
“If they want to bring teddy bears, flowers, or they just want to bring their good vibes and prayers, that’s welcome as well.”
Another vigil will be held in Brampton in Garden Square on Tuesday organized by Coun. Rowena Santos. It will begin at 5:45 p.m.
