EVANSDALE | Justice for Evelyn Miller keeps hope alive for the families of other child victims still waiting for a day in court.

Supporters and family members gathered at Angels Park at Meyers Lake Wednesday for a candlelight vigil to remember Miller, who was just 5 years old in 2005 when her body was found in the Cedar River near Charles City.

A jury convicted Casey Frederiksen Tuesday of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual abuse in Miller's death. He faces a mandatory life term in prison with no possibility of parole when sentenced May 11.

Andy Christie, Evelyn's father, and Linda Christie, her grandmother, were among those who gathered to pray, share thoughts and release five pink sky lanterns one for each year of Miller's life which floated toward the heavens.

"It took 10 years," said Linda Christie, Miller's grandmother. "But in the end justice was served, and my granddaughter was given the justice we deserve."

The peaceful evening in Angels Park was a chance for family members to shake off the horrors of the court proceedings.

"That trial when I got home today I felt like I had been beaten with a bat all over my body, so much emotional strain," Christie said. "Waiting for the verdict was probably the hardest. But when that verdict came in I think there were tears of joy from everyone."

The vigil, she added, was "hope for Lyric and Elizabeth."

Cousins Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 10, and Elizabeth Collins, 8, disappeared July 13, 2012, while riding their bikes in Evansdale. Their bodies were found later in Seven Bridges Park in rural Bremer County. No one has been arrested for their deaths.

Elizabeth's parents, Drew and Heather Collins, were among those attending Miller's vigil.

Read more:
Supporters memorialize Evelyn Miller, pray for justice

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