DENVER -- The mother of a 7-year-old boy who was found dead at his home on Tuesday spoke during a vigil at her son's school in Montbello.
"I wish you knew him, he was such a happy and bright kid who made everyone smile just by his presence," said Jordan Vong's mom.
His mom started by thanking the community for all the prayers and support. She said her family is devastated by recent updates in the case. Earlier in the day, police announced a 16-year-old female was taken into custody on investigation of first-degree murder charges after investigators found Vong’s body "intentionally concealed" within the home during the search.
The boy's mom asked everyone to "be respectful as everything unravels."
There was a large turnout at the vigil for the boy who was supposed to be entering the second grade. Kids and teachers used chalk to write out Jordan's name on the school's sidewalk. They also put up posters with his picture and asked people to write messages for the family.
The boy's first grade teacher said his smile brought her joy, adding he would pick dandelions for her.
“I mean, honestly it’s devastating you know, the way we all feel as a community," said Juan Duron. His son was the boy's classmate.
Duron said he struggled to explain the little boy's tragic and untimely death to his kids.
“It was pretty hard, we just couldn’t find the right way to tell him, let him know," said Duron.
Vong was reported missing around 4:30 p.m. Monday. When officers arrived at the scene, they learned the child had been missing for a few hours already. Police said a family member made the report, but he did not identify the reporting party.
