GAS CITY, Ind. (WISH) — Family, friends and community members gathered outside the Gas City Library to remember the short life of a 10-year-old girl who was found murdered Wednesday.

Skylea Carmack was reported missing Saturday night. Her body was found inside a trash bag near a shed behind her home early Wednesday morning.

Skylea’s stepmother, Amanda Carmack, has been arrested for her murder.

Police did not release a motive for the killing, but Wednesday night people who knew and loved Skylea didn’t focus on why, instead they gathered to remember and honor a life cut short.

“We were looking for a girl 10 years old and thought we would find her alive,” said Peggy Sapp. “And then to find out the stepmother knew all along where she was at, it really made me angry today.”

Skylea’s father and birth mother were among the hundreds mourning their daughter’s death. At the close of the vigil they stood in a receiving line and hugged many of the supporters, some of which were strangers.

“I was crushed, just crushed. I can’t imagine the pain the parents are going through and I didn’t even know her,” said Tiffany Chomos. “I had all the hope in the world. Every time I look at my kids now, I can’t imagine that being my child. I’m just still numb, I’m just numb.”

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