Voicing prayers for unity and healing, hundreds of Northwood residents attended a candlelight vigil last night in memory of slain 8-year-old Marciana Monia Ringo, as the television program America's Most Wanted joined the nationwide hunt for her accused killer.
Clutching candles and holding hands, people poured into the 5200 block of Loch Raven Blvd. in front of Northwood Elementary School where Marciana attended third grade. They formed a circle that enveloped a half-block -- with Marciana's mother, Milagro White, at the center.
Tears dripped from White's eyes as child after child -- many of them Marciana's playmates--hugged and kissed her, and parents who also lost young children held her hand and prayed for the capture of Jamal Kenneth Abeokuto, the 22-year-old suspect.
"We came to let [White] know that she is not in this alone," said Barbara Mason, a 35-year Northwood resident, who attended with her daughter and two grandchildren. "Our hearts go out to her. We love her not just because of this, but we've always loved her."
"We're hurting and we're angry, and we're saying, 'No more! We're not going to tolerate anymore!'" said Linda Janey, president of the Northeast Community Organization. "Enough is enough! No more will our children be killed for any reason."
The crowd responded by taking up the chant, "Enough is enough!"
Police officials declined to say what leads they are pursuing. But detectives with the city's Warrant Apprehension Task Force, which is coordinating the manhunt, say they are taking the search personally.
They have pinned three photographs of Marciana, inscribed with their personal notes, to the doors and walls of their office. The photographs serve as reminders to keep working 20-hour days to catch Abeokuto, said Maj. George Klein, the task force's commander.
Abeokuto, of the 5200 block of W. North Ave., has been charged in warrants in the death of Marciana, whose body was found Thursday in a wooded area near Joppa Farm Road and Haverhill Road in Joppatowne, Harford County.
America's Most Wanted, a Fox network program dedicated to catching fugitives, planned to run a segment on Abeokuto at 9 p.m. Saturday.
Police officials encouraged public donations to a reward fund established by the Northeast Community Organization in conjunction with Metro Crime Stoppers. Checks may be sent to NECO, Ringo Reward Fund, 4417 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore 21218.
Sun staff writer Del Quentin Wilber contributed to this article.