Crime & Safety

'Horrific and Brutal Murder'

Jorelys Rivera, 7, was stabbed and sexually assaulted, GBI director Vernon Keenan said. An autopsy revealed she died of blunt force trauma. Officials have executed a search warrant on a vacant apartment where traces of what appears to be blood were found.

WSB-TV reported Tuesday night that Rivera's remains would be flown to Puerto Rico for burial after a private service for family members.

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Update 11:05 p.m. Tuesday

According to WSB-TV, funeral arrangements have been set for Jorelys Rivera.

A public viewing is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at , while a public funeral service will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the same location.

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Rivera's remains will be flown to Puerto Rico for burial after a private service for family members, Channel 2 reported.

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Update 10:15 p.m. Tuesday

There will be just one vigil for , and it will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at .

Originally, there were two vigils planned, one on Wednesday at Heritage Park and another on Friday in front of the River Ridge apartment complex.

"Out of respect for the complex and as a request of the 's ongoing investigation, we moved it to Heritage Park," organizer Tina Ryan said. "The two vigils have been combined for Friday night."

For more information, go to http://www.facebook.com/events/146347572134229/.

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Update 3:27 p.m. Tuesday

"A letter was sent home today with all students to inform parents of the death of first-grader and the school’s response, which includes counseling for students," spokeswoman Barbara Jacoby said. "Additionally, when a Cherokee County School District student dies, the school administration is encouraged to involve students in planning any school-based memorial activities. Canton ES administrators have started preliminary talks with student delegates about how to show remembrance and respect for their late schoolmate. The first memorial activity planned is the display of pink and green ribbons outside the school later this week.

"The Cherokee County School District continues to cooperate with local and state law enforcement agencies relative to the ongoing investigation. The School District does not and will not comment on ongoing police investigations; accordingly, all questions in this regard should be directed to the Canton Police Department."

Open the PDF on this page to read the letter.

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Update 3:23 p.m. Tuesday

Rumors of an arrest in the case are not true, said Lt. Jay Baker, spokesman for the .

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Original Report Below 11:08 a.m. Tuesday

Authorities have raised the reward in the case of to $15,000. If you have any information that would lead to the arrest of her killer, call the new tip line number at 770-721-7852.


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