Family Sets up Memorial Fund for Aliyah McFarland

The mother and family of a slain 20-month old child have set up a memorial fund at the US Bank in Fenton, Fox2News reports.

Aliyah McFarland died Sept. 3 at Cardinal Glennon Hospital after she was badly beaten the day before.

Her father, Jamell Johnson, 21, has been charged with first-degree assault, child abuse and child endangerment.

. He is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.

The family released this statement after setting up the memorial fund:

“The day Aliyah was born I knew God had given me a gift. I was blessed to be the mother of such a beautiful girl. Anyone that came in contact with her couldn’t help but to love her, in my eyes she was perfect. My family and I thought we would have her for a lifetime, but sadly she could only be with us for a short 20 months. Aliyah Nicole is truly an angel and she will forever be missed.
 
Aliyah’s mother was at work and had left Aliyah with her father at her apartment, as she had done before, for his regular visit. He did not live with them, and was not from Arnold. Our family has been through a lot since this happened, and we are devastated by the events that have lead to her passing.”

 To read more about Aliyah’s death, read our coverage of this story: