Vigil held for murdered toddler

HENRY COUNTY, Ga - A community came together Sunday, to remember 2-year-old Laila Daniel who police said was murdered while in foster care.

“We want her to become everyone’s sweetheart not just ours,” said Kim Smith, Laila’s Great Aunt. “So we wanted to celebrate her on Valentine’s Day.”

Henry County community members gathered in downtown Hampton with candles, “Justice for Laila” t-shirts and pink balloons which family members said was Laila’s favorite color.

One woman, who did not know Laila drove three hours from Alabama to attend the vigil.

"I felt compelled to stand up for it and see that justice is served,” said Brenda Oden.  “She was such a precious, healthy baby in the pictures and when you see the end result and what the family has gone through and so I am here,” said Oden.

Henry County Police said Laila died while under the care of Jennifer Rosenbaum and her husband.

In November, Rosenbaum who is a third year law student, an intern for the District Attorney’s Office and at the time was running for Henry County Commissioner, called 911 reporting the child was choking.

Laila later died, but according to the autopsy report the medical examiner ruled the child never choked, instead she died from blunt force trauma, and her pancreas was split in half.

“We want Laila's face and case to stay in everyone’s forefront, we do not want anyone to forget because we realize this is going to be a long drawn out process,” said Smith.

Laila’s biological parents attended the vigil Sunday.

“I have a lot of blame,” said Laila’s mother, Tessa Clendening. “I blame myself, but I think all I can do now is make the future better instead of dwelling on the past,” said Clendening with Laila’s father by her side. “I think Laila wants me to bring her sister’s home.”

Laila’s two sisters, ages 4-years-old and 5 months-old are currently in state custody.

Rosenbaum is charged with murder. The state has fired the two Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS) workers who were in charge of overseeing the safety of Laila Daniel.