Makeshift Memorial For ‘Lizzy’ Continues To Grow

LOGAN, Utah – Love is continuing to pour in from the Logan community, where a makeshift memorial to 5-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzy” Shelley is growing outside her family’s home.

“You never expect your own family because you trust the family,” said Evelia Rodriguez, who brought a teddy bear to the home.

Police on Wednesday discovered a body they strongly believe to be Lizzy’s five days after she was taken from her Logan home. Her uncle, 21-year-old Alex Whipple, is behind bars on aggravated murder charges.

Sunlight shining on a beautiful memorial this morning for #LizzyShelley outside her home pic.twitter.com/JTxsL4VgL2

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaNews) May 30, 2019

“It broke my heart,” Rodriguez said. “I tried not crying, but when I was driving yesterday I could not even hold it.”

It was a familiar feeling for so many who dropped off flowers, stuffed animals and other items in remembrance of Lizzy.

Police found her body only a half a block away from her home in a wooded area with high brush. Those whose backyards share that area were left shocked.

RELATED: Police: Be Aware Of Possible Fake Lizzy Shelley Donation Accounts

“I feel very sad, especially since it was so close,” said Dennis Jensen. “Things don’t usually happen like this in this city.”

Whipple’s Attorney said his client told officials where he left Lizzy’s body in exchange for taking the death penalty off the table. A day later, Logan City Police Chief Gary Jensen said that, while the remains have been found, the job is far from over. Aside from continuing to build their case against Whipple, Jensen now has to take care of the needs of his family in blue who are also coping with this tragedy.

Jensen said detectives are expected to positively ID the body sometime Thursday.