Video: Shaniya Davis funeral held in North Carolina for five-year-old

November 23, 3:47 PMSalt Lake City Headlines ExaminerMarci Stone

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Shaniya Davis

CBS/Family Photo

The Shaniya Davis funeral was held Sunday at 3 pm in North Carolina, Shaniya Davis was the five-year-old girl that was murdered and raped earlier this month. Family members paid their respects while a slide show played in the background, and family members spoke about her. Bradley Lockhart, her father spoke about his faith and little Shaniya. Shaniya’s kindergarten class stood in as honorary pallbearers for the service.

"God is good. Don't let God's words and don't let his actions bring y'all down because he did this for a reason. He's grabbed a hold of my heart." Lockhart said.

Shaniya was reported missing on November 10, her body was discovered Monday, November 16th along a road where the accused said it would be. Authorities believe she was killed the same day she went missing. Shaniya’s mother has been charged with human trafficking.

A hotel surveillance video identified Mario Andrette McNeill as the man who kidnapped Shaniya. She was last seen being carried by McNeill into a hotel room. McNeill, 29 had been charged with first degree kidnapping, but is now charged with first degree murder and first degree rape of a child.

The video below shows the entire funeral service, which is about an hour and twenty minutes.

Human trafficking is a growing problem around the country, including Utah. It is one of the top three most profitable hidden industries. The Utah Human Trafficking task force includes two agencies that are funded through the US Dept of Justice. They support efforts to investigate and prosecute cases, and help victims, according to the FBI office in Salt Lake City.

Sources: FBI and video below

Related articles:
Shaniya Davis cause of death and autopsy results – 5 year old from North Carolina
Video: Bradley Lockhart on Oprah – Shaniya Davis cause of death asphyxiation
Video: Bradley Lockhart begged for Shaniya Davis safe return – 5 year old body found
Video: Police charge mother of 5 year old Shaniya Davis with human trafficking

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