Southwest Church hosting drive-thru memorial for one-year-old Madalyn
Southwest Church in Indian Wells is hosting 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.
The drive-thru celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 16 at Southwest Church on 44175 Washington Street starting at 7 p.m.
Organizers are inviting the community to come together and to show support for Madalyn's mother and pay respects to a life tragically cut short.
"We have an amazing community and it has been a privilege to witness all the support and love we give one another. Today I’m asking you to join us to celebrate a beautiful soul, a child that deserves to be released from this earth with a beautiful farewell.
- Organizers wrote on Facebook
Let’s embrace and support Ashley through this difficult time. Ashley and Madalyn are part of our community, join us for a drive by farewell and candlelight vigil."
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.
Full Details: Girl, 1, thrown from cliff by father after stabbing attack, deputies say
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.
Additional details: Father accused of throwing 1-year-old daughter off a cliff pleads not guilty
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.
Watch: Family remembers Madalyn as a little joy’ as mother recovers from brutal attack
