West Philadelphia community holds vigil for Malayshia Alford

In other news, at 10 o'clock tonight, dozens of people gathered to remember 10-year-old Malaysia Alford, the little girl from West Philadelphia who was found dead in the trunk of a car in New Jersey after a 10-day search. Her death has left family and friends and the community heartbroken, and questions continue to grow surrounding her foster mother, accused of murder. Our Joanne Pelleggi has more from today's Remembrance. Thanks. Four days after this West Philadelphia community found out what happened to Malaysia Alford, they came together here to remember her and to try to start the healing process. This is for us coming together because we are family. Sometimes bad things happen so good people can get together and make our community better. Hearts cracked open wide, sadness and disbelief, the common threat of emotions. At this West Philadelphia park, I'm here today just to say I'm really so sorry Malaysia this happened to you and I'm really sorry. This afternoon they gathered at Morris Park on Haverford Avenue to remember the short life of 10 year old Malaysia Alford. The event just a few blocks from the alleged house of horrors on North Simpson Street where police say Malaysia Alford's foster mom. Philly school teacher, 36-year-old Caprice Williams, beat and killed the child. Malaysia's body was found in the trunk of a car in South Jersey, 10 days after she was reported missing. Court records now show Williams had abused a previous foster child in 2021 and was deemed unfit to care for foster children. But Malaysia... was placed in her care last year. That should have been flagged immediately, like, hey, this person has a history. It should have been a flag going up. There's no way this person should have been allowed anywhere near the school district of Philadelphia, anywhere near another foster child. Malaysia's biological uncle is beside himself. He says family members had tried to get custody after Malaysia was abused by a previous foster parent. And now this happened. Trying to hold on. He's appreciating all the support from the community, so if y'all see my brother, where he's at, just support him, show him love, and keep all the good wishes coming his way. But he's taking it one day at a time right now, and we're just all trying to get through it as a family. The collective grief here has now morphed into anger, and the community members say they will not rest until those who are responsible for Malaysia's death are held accountable. In West Philadelphia, I'm Joanne Pelleggi, Fox 29 News.