Drive-by vigil brings dozens to honor one-year-old girl allegedly killed by father

Southwest Church in Indian Wells held a celebration of the life of Madalyn, a one-year-old toddler who authorities believe was thrown off a cliff by her father last week.

Michael Grome, the grandfather of one-year old Madalyn Rose recalls the moment he first learned about the horrific attack that left his daughter Ashley with stab wounds and his granddaughter dead.

"That day I got that call it was tough," said Grome.

Saturday night, a line of cars filled the parking lot at Southwest Church in Indian Wells to honor Madalyn.

Her father, Adam Slater, is accused of throwing the child off a cliff along Highway 74 just south of Palm Desert.

"I love you, said Grome." I am going to see her again definitely."

 People in a long line of cars drove by maintaining social distancing to show support for the grieving mother and her family.

"There's so much discouragement that can keep people away but tonight people showed up," said Pastor Tim Kuhl. "We are proud and grateful and our hearts go out to Ashley."

Family and friends dressed in shirts printed with images of Maddie.

People dropped off cards, flowers and balloons.

"It's just tragic, " said Rodney Moore. "We used to live next door to them, we would never expect it but we are all hurting right now that's why we came to pay our respects."

Police and members of the biker group, CV Riders, paid their respects.

Ashley Grome provided a written statement to News Channel 3 "Thank you for the support for not only me but Madalyn… Thank you for all the time and effort it has taken to put an event up this big to celebrate the life of Madalyn...and most importantly justice will be served for Madalyn."

"Big thanks to the community and to Southwest Church." said Grome. "I am amazed at the support the generosity that has come in and that the love that the community has shown not even knowing my granddaughter."

The tragic incident that led to Madalyn's death started at the parking lot in front of Southwest Church Thursday morning.

According to Riverside County Sheriff's Department, deputies were called to the area at around 8:30 a.m. after Madalyn's pregnant mother, Ashley Grome, 23, was stabbed by her husband, Adam Slater, 49.

Authorities say Slater then took Madalyn and drove off. His vehicle was found rolled over on Highway 74 near Vista Point. Witnesses say he then stabbed a person who was trying to help them before throwing Madalyn "over a steep cliff into a ravine." 

Slater was arrested and has been charged with first-degree murder and other charges and is eligible for the death penalty. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Tuesday.

Grome was released from the hospital and is recovering from her injuries at home. She wrote a tribute to her daughter on a GoFundMe page raising funds for her funeral service.

"My daughter was the absolute love of my life and she meant everything and more to me. Everything I did and everything I will do for the rest of my life is for her. She was beautiful and her smile was contagious, even after a bad day, she always cheered me up. She was taken from this world way too soon," Grome wrote.