Slain Southeast Girls Remembered at Vigil|ABC 7 News

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Slain Southeast Girls Remembered at Vigil

posted 7:06 pm Thu January 17, 2008 - Washington

tags: jacks • vigil • fogle • court

Family, friends and neighbors of the four girls whose decomposed bodies were found last week in a Southeast rowhouse gathered Thursday night outside the home for a vigil of remembrance.

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The girls' mother, 33-year-old Banita Jacks, is charged with felony murder in their deaths. Investigators believe the girls' bodies could have been left in the home for several months.

"We have to keep our faith and lift each other up in prayer in times like this," said Darryl Thomas.

The vigil comes as new details are surfacing about the girls - 5-year-old Aja Fogle, 6-year-old N'Kiah Fogle, 11-year-old Tatianna Jacks and 16-year-old Brittany Jacks.

Court documents show that Brittany made the honor roll on her last report card at Booker T. Washington High School. School records show she had 25 unexcused absences in the next two months, followed by truancy reports.

The records also show that during the ensuing truancy investigation, a school counselor wrote to D.C. Superior Court officials that "...Brittany wants to come to school and feels she is being held hostage..."

Records show court officials kicked the referral back to the school system, saying they needed more information and never followed up.

In a statement, Chief Judge Rufus King III said, "The systems in place to protect children in the circumstances of Brittany and her sisters failed them. We all need to take whatever steps we can to prevent this kind of tragedy in the future."

Mayor Adrian Fenty fired six workers with the Child and Family Services Agency this week, following the revelations about the agency's actions in the case. Judge King has launched an investigation into his staff's actions in the case. Some D.C. residents believe action needed to be taken.

"If they don't change the people that are in the system to someone better," said Ranada Humble. "Then our children, we have no hope for our children."

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