Group of mothers makes sure memory of young boy lives on

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — A group of local mothers is paying tribute to a young boy who was taken too soon.

"When I heard it, I could not believe the details that I heard,” Many Wilson said.

Wilson is talking about 3-year-old Mikel Fetterman. Police said the boy died after being physically and sexually assaulted by Keith Lilly, his mother’s boyfriend. Teresa Fetterman and her former boyfriend Lilly are both facing charges in connection with his death.

The group of mothers made a Justice for Mikel Facebook page and helped to start a makeshift memorial to honor him. Wilson says even though he's no longer here, they're still fighting for him.

If you want to receive Allegheny County news alerts, please download our WPXI News App. You can also follow WPXI on Facebook and Twitter.

"When I got over there, everything was gone except for the solar lights that were just strewn about the memorial,” Wilson said.

Wilson said she found out the city of New Kensington removed the memorial.

"I received a phone call from the family to remove it,” said New Kensington City Councilman Dante Cicconi.

Cicconi said after it was removed, another family member of Mikel Fetterman's wanted it put back and so did neighbors.

"In the end, I think we resolved those issues and connected the dots from family to the community to get something that's lasting,” Cicconi said.

Now, Wilson and her group are trying to raise $5,000 to put in a garden and bench to keep little 3-year-old Fetterman’s memory alive just a little bit longer. Click here if you would like to donate.

Mother of toddler who died after alleged abuse charged with manslaughter Mother of toddler who died after alleged abuse charged with manslaughter

© 2020 Cox Media Group