HOUSTON – Beginning the official 'Maleah Davis Day' in Houston, City Hall was lit up pink -- Maleah's favorite color.
Later Sunday, thousands attended the Walk With Maleah to City Hall, along with her father and supporters.
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Participants were asked to meet at Houston's City Hall at 7:54 a.m., located at 901 Bagby St. From there, participants walked to the Harris County Jail to have a moment of silence and ended the walk back at City Hall.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also shared pictures of City Hall shining pink as a small crowd gathered to pray and grieve for Maleah.
Maleah's maternal grandmother, Brenda Bowens, also shared words of comfort at City Hall Sunday night at the gathering, standing alongside with Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo.
As city hall shines a bright pink in the background, Houston Police Chief @ArtAcevedo shares comforting words with Brenda Bowens, Maleah’s maternal grandmother.
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) June 10, 2019
Meanwhile, the mayor encourages people to turn their anger/hurt into a positive movement to protect all children. pic.twitter.com/yeZSNQIIht
The 4-year-old Houston girl was missing for more than a month before her remains were found along a rural road hundreds of miles away in Arkansas.
Maleah’s remains were found after community activist Quanell X said her stepfather, Derion Vence, who is being held in jail on an evidence tampering charge, confessed to dumping her body.
Medical examiners are still working to determine the cause and manner of Maleah’s death.
Maleah was last seen on surveillance cameras the morning of April 30 walking behind Vence at the family’s southwest Houston apartment complex.
Vence reported Maleah missing May 4 and told investigators that he, Maleah and Maleah’s younger brother were attacked the day before when he stopped on a freeway to investigate a damaged tire. He said he was knocked out during the attack and when he regained consciousness, Maleah and the family’s car were missing.
Here is the mayor's proclamation:
"The City of Houston is dedicated to maintaining an environment where our youth can enjoy a childhood filled with heart-warming memories and growing experiences, yet tragically, Maleah Davis was taken much too soon.
"Although the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and death of Maleah Davis were heartbreaking, the community is united in creating lasting changes in her honor and vowing to safeguard all children in our community. Amongst calls for justice, may those who knew and loved her all find peace and comfort during these trying times.
"On June 9, 2019, the lights of City Hall will be turned pink, which was Maleah Davis’ favorite color, as family, friends and the Houston community gather in remembrance for a very sweet, beautiful and innocent little girl.
"The City of Houston is honored to join the family and friends of Maleah Davis, as well as the community, in remembering her and extends sincere condolences on this day of remembrance, as her life and her beautiful spirit will never be forgotten.
"Therefore, I, Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim June 9, 2019, as Maleah Davis Day in Houston, Texas."