Rally held in support for victim of park attack

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Not allowing a brutal attack to deter them, the victims that were seen in the video from Brookside Park went back to take a stand.

“It’s just nice to know that we have people who have our backs and we’re not all by ourselves,” said Barbara Snelson, who was attacked along with her brother Tyler.

Nearly 200 people were at the park to support them.

“My heart was completely broken,” said Nickie Pinegar who organized the rally. “I couldn’t just let it go. I just couldn’t.”

Pineger met Snelson for the first time at the rally.

“Kids should be able to come and play at a park without something like this happening,” said Pinegar.

Pinegar has four children, one of whom says she feared going to the park after the attack.

“I really was scared because I feel like I’m going to get beat up when I come here,” said Danielle Pinegar.

IMPD, City-County Councilors, 317 Ryders and Ten Point Coalition were all at the rally.

“Bullying is an act of violence that we must address,” said Reverend Charles Harrison, the founder of Ten Point Coalition.

While IMPD says the park is one of the city’s safest, Chief Rick Hite says they now need to work on its perception.

“We came right back to the place where it happened and we have to keep coming back every weekend and making sure it is safe,” said Chief Hite.

Snelson says she is not scared, and just like all those who showed her they have her back, she says she’ll continue to support her brother.

“I’m going to come up here just for him, just for him to come play (and) not back down,” said Snelson.

The attacker is charged with multiple felonies, and will be tried in juvenile court.

Prosecutors say the suspect be able to access more services than if she were tried in an adult court, including anger management.