November 8, 200520 yr http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2005/10/22/124868.html Keeping her memory alive Saturday, October 22, 2005 The memory of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, who was kidnapped and murdered in Citrus County in February, lives on. Bundles of flowers still sit along the side of the road near Lunsford's Homosassa Springs home and a picture of her is in front of her house. Now, a new playground built in her memory at the school she attended, Homosassa Elementary, will keep her on the minds of anyone who sees it. "We are humbled and are sorry that we have to accept such a gift under the circumstances, but Jessica's memory will live on and the children will have many hours of enjoyment," said Homosassa Elementary Principal Regina Allegretta. The construction of the playground was funded by donations and organized by Jessica's father, Mark Lunsford. He says he hopes it's a place where kids can go and feel safe. Jessica's grandmother, Ruth Lunsford, says her granddaughter loved playgrounds and would have appreciated this one. Four playgrounds have been built in Lunsford's honor. "Oh, she would have loved it," said Lunsford. "She would have loved it. She's happy right now. She knows it's there. She's happy right now because it's there for the kids." John Couey is charged with the abduction, rape and murder of Jessica Lunsford. His trial is scheduled to begin next July. The state is seeking the death penalty. 5 years too late..
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.