Dozens gather in New Bedford to morn 9-month old girl - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Dozens gather in New Bedford to morn 9-month old girl

Dozens of friends and family members Braved the cold at Buttonwood Park in New Bedford Saturday night, to remember a 9-month old baby girl, who police say was beaten to death.

The vigil wasn't just to honor the memory of 9-month old Ariel Eluziario, it was also meant to show support for her grieving parents.

Especially Ariel's mother Amanda, who's former live-in boyfriend, 23-year old Ethen Harrison, has been charged with killing her daughter.

One of the people at the vigil was Sharon St. Pierre.

St. Pierre was Ariel's daycare provider and has now set-up a memorial fund to help Ariel's parents pay for their daughter's funeral.

"This is a tragedy that no mother should ever have to face." said St. Pierre.

St. Pierre says that the grief over their child's death, has brought Ariel's birth parents closer together.

"Amanda and Tom have been strong for each other and that's what they're going to need to be, with everything that's facing them in the future, with the trial and everything, they're sticking together." said St. Pierre.

That support for each other, mixed with the outpouring from friends and family at the vigil, makes St. Pierre hopeful that Ariel's grieving parents, can find a small sense of solace.

"They have been through so much, through such tragic circumstances and it's good to see this outpouring of support."