Kiaya’s family gives thanks for support

The family of Kiaya Campbell, the 10-yearold who went missing early this month and was later found dead, released a statement Saturday thanking law enforcement and emergency responders for their work and for the support the family received here and across the nation.

“We would like to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, all those who have expressed their love and concern for the loss we are suffering,” the family’s statement read.

“The outpouring of local community, statewide and nationwide support has given us comfort and a greater belief in humanity.”

Kiaya went missing while walking with a teenage friend during a heavy rainstorm on June 7. Police found her body the next day and ruled that her death was not an accident.

Police later arrested the 15-year-old boy who was with her that night and have charged him with two counts of first-degree murder.

Adams County District Attorney Dave Young said he will seek to prosecute the boy as an adult.

Along with thanking everyone who helped, the family also shared Kiaya’s speech at fifth-grade graduation last month, adding that they hope it shows “what an amazing intelligent young lady she was.”

“Greetings, fifth-graders, family members, Board of Directors and amazing teachers. I wanted to thank all of you for making my stay here at Monarch great.

“The four years I have been here I have felt loved and respected. Although I may seem like I’m speaking for myself, I am speaking for all the fifth-graders. Here at Monarch, everyone is family. We may have our fights and arguments, but at the end of the day, we all bleed red. We are all human.

“I especially want to thank Mrs. J, Mrs. L and Ms. N for teaching me many helpful things. Mrs. J, I want to thank you for teaching me factors, multiplying, subtracting and adding factors. Mrs. N, thank you for teaching me grammar, writing and division. Lastly, Mrs. L, I want to thank you for being like a friend to me.

“I want to say to all of the families, if you have younger kids, let them know that anything is possible and they can accomplish anything as long as they try. Trying is the best thing anyone can do.”