Jul 03, 2024
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Community members gathered at Parnell Plaza Wednesday evening to show their support for 4-year-old Octavia Aquino, who died in June from complications of blunt force trauma to the head and neck. Evansville police said they arrived on scene to find Aquino unresponsive at the Spring Valley Flats apartment complex. Two people now face charges in connection to her death. Aquino was in the care of her mother's boyfriend 16-year-old Christian Gonzalez. Authorities say this is a case of extreme neglect and believe Gonzalez is responsible for the death of the four-year-old girl. Cause of death revealed for Evansville 4-year-old Octavia’s mother, Destiny Rhoades, is also facing neglect causing death and violating a protective order with Gonzalez. Justin Groves, the owner of Fort Wayne fireworks shop Groovy's Fireworks, held a fundraiser in honor of the Aquino family. "I mean, having a son myself, you know, seeing something like that happen ... he just turned 2 and to see like a little girl that's 4 years old man, it was hard for me to swallow," Groves said. Wednesday's fundraiser featured a car show, multiple vendors, a DJ, and raffle tickets to benefit Octavia. There was also a donation box on site for people to leave cash or donate directly to the family's GoFundMe. Octavia's uncle and grandmother were at the event, and although there were grateful for the community support, both were still deeply hurt by the passing of their loved one. Grandmother remembers 4-year-old killed in Evansville "It's been a really tough last two weeks," Octavia's uncle, Caleb Aquino recalled. "We had a funeral on Friday and just it's been really hard for us because there's constant reminders of her ... you know you see her toys laying out or you just see pictures of her." Groves said their goal was to raise at least $2,500. *WANE.com does not assure that the monies or donations deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a donation, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
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