Video: Family and Friends of Yashanee Vaughn Plan Events to Honor Missing Girl

Shaquita Louis was at Holladay Park Saturday, where friends and family were distributing fliers and appealing for anyone with information about her daughter to call the Crimestoppers Tip line. Louis is the mother of Yashanee Vaughn, the 14-year-old Helensview high school student who disappeared, March 19.

Louis and the family are desperate to find out what happened to their beloved Yashanee, and to recover her body. Police say the teen is dead and prosecutors have charged Parrish Bennette a 16-year-old friend of the girl, with murder and manslaughter. The long wait for someone to step forward is agonizing, supporters told The Skanner News, Saturday. The Skanner News Video: Shaquita LouisThe Skanner News Video: Shaquita Louis "Everyone is just running off pure emotions here," said Ionka Martin, a close friend of Louis. "We are just trying to support this family. This has been going on for a month now and it isn't going to stop for them, even after we find Yashanee. We need this community to put their arms around this family. "

Supporters are invited to attend the following events:

A Prayer vigil to mark the one month anniversary of Yashanee's disappearance is planned for 7pm Tuesday April 19, at 2700 NE 82nd Ave.

A benefit event to support the search for Yashanee is planned for 8pm Thursday, April 21 at the Good Call on SE 110th and Division Street. Ages 21 and over only. No charge, but donations may be accepted. Check with organizers.

A Gospel music celebration of Yashanee's life is set for 6:30 pm Friday May 6th at Maranatha church, 4222 Northeast 12th Ave. Hosted by Rev. J.W. Friday.

If you know something, help heal this family's pain. Call 503-823-HELP

More information at www.yashanee.com