The community of Manchester gathered together to memorialize a young girl who had been killed after being struck by a driver who was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. The girl was 11 months old.
At eight o’clock on Sunday evening, a standing vigil with candlelight was conducted at the intersection of Belmont Street and Lake Avenue, which was the location of the collision.
We have gathered here to support the family, and we are praying that justice will be done. “It was something that should not have taken place,” remarked a member of the community.
The baby and her family were crossing the street on Thursday when Justin LaClair, who is 23 years old, allegedly hit them with his automobile. Before colliding with a pole, he continued driving after the collision.
Bail was granted to LaClair on Friday, and he is still being held in custody. He is being charged with various offenses, including aggravated driving while intoxicated and reckless behavior. On June 23, he is scheduled to appear in court again.
Another member of the community stated, “We are all going to be there and help ensure that justice is served for this young girl.”
During the time of the accident, the baby’s father was reportedly heading to the park with all five of his children, according to the neighbors.
In order to commemorate the baby’s first birthday, which took place on Saturday, members of the community have left a birthday banner, flowers, balloons, and plush animals at the crash site. The memorial continues to grow.
Volunteers swept away the debris, including branches and leaves, in order to get the space ready for the vigil.
“I didn’t want to do the vigil with it looking like that, so I decided with Kelly this morning that we should start, so we came out here with my rakes and shovels and everybody just kinda followed,” said a volunteer who participated.
A member of the community stated that it is the least that they can do to demonstrate to the family that they will not be going through this suffering alone.
In addition, one of the child’s siblings, who is 11 months old, was struck and is still hospitalized with critical injuries.
During this trying time, a GoFundMe page has been established in order to provide financial assistance to the family.
