=-=-=-=-= ASHANTI BILLIE TREE PLANTING =-=-=-=-=
Here are two more links to different news sources about the 'tree planting' story. I don't like repeating news, however, it seems appropriate here because this is a positive and touching story. Each article and video is slightly different.
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 WJZY) - Emotions pouring from the parents of Ashanti Billie Sunday morning at East Stonewall AME.
The two making their first trip to Charlotte since their daughters body was found behind the church last September.
"I honestly say I felt the presence of my daughter so coming here was not a mistake and was what was needed and what she wanted," said her father, Meltony Billie.
"This is a healing point for me and we had to come here because this is the last place she was found, said her mother," Brandy Billie.
CMPD Chief Kerr Putney among those in attendance to see the church dedicate part of the service to the Billie's by planting a tree in their prayer garden.
While the family works with state and federal government to pass the Ashanti Alert Act which would create a nationwide public alert system for missing and endangered adults similar to the Amber Alert, her family tells FOX 46 this has been a learning process.
http://www.fox46charlotte.com/news/...trip-to-charlotte-since-their-daughters-death
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FAMILY HOLDS MEMORIAL CEREMONY FOR ASHANTI BILLIE
By Katy Solt | February 25, 2018 @4:39 PM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The family of a young girl found murdered at a Charlotte church is making sure her memory is never forgotten.
Ashanti Billie's body was found at the East Stonewall AME Zion Church in September 2017 after she went missing from Virginia.
Police later arrested and charged retired Navy veteran Eric Brown with her kidnapping and murder.
Sunday morning, Billie's family went to the church where their daughter was found to plant a tree in her honor.
Her parents say this was a step towards closure, and a way to honor Ashanti's memory and the joy she brought to their lives.
"She's the rainbow after a storm, she unifies and that's her. That is her." says Meltony Billie, Ashanti's father. "She would make a friend out of an enemy because that's just her personality. That's just her personality, so she would be pleased, very much."
The Billie family says legislators are working to create the Ashanti Alert in Virginia and around the country. If created, an alert would be issued for adults ages 19-59 to help prevent more tragedies like this one.
http://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/cha...ly-holds-memorial-ceremony-for-ashanti-billie
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