Dozens of people came together for a candlelight vigil Monday night to remember a missing Van Buren teenager. Investigators found a body inside a barrel on Friday they say could be 16-year-old Angela Allen.
“I want that one question answered as to why,” said Colleen Allen, Angela’s grandmother.
Friends, family, and complete strangers clutched candles at the community center in Van Buren. They sang ‘Amazing Grace’ and prayed.
Angela’s mother, Cecilia Reynolds, held back tears. She said, “I just want her to come home and I know I can’t have that.”
Family members wear pink pins that read “Justice 4 Angie.”
Police arrested Lloyd Jones last week, a sex offender. Investigators say he could be connected with the teen’s disappearance. “I hate you,” said Reynolds, “You took my baby from me and you will get justice. I will get justice for Angela Dawn Allen.”
“This man groomed her,” said Colleen, “He told her that he was an 11th grader. He lied to her.”
Friday deputies say they found a body stuffed in a barrel buried several feet deep on property that belongs to Jones’ family. Investigators have not identified the person inside. “We haven’t given up,” said Reynolds, “I’m praying it’s not her, but my gut tells me it is.”
The family finds comfort through their faith. They hold on to each other. “I want to know what went through his mind and I want to know what Angela’s last words were,” said Colleen.
Tuesday an autopsy will be performed to identify the body found near Lavaca, around the same times Jones is scheduled to appear in court.
