A year after 4-year-old Serenity McKinney was found dead, wrapped in plastic inside a suitcase in the woods along the line of Bullitt and Jefferson counties, the family and loved ones have returned to remember the little girl. Her father, David Roller, was among many who paid their respects to Serenity on Saturday. “There’s a pinwheel here, and she’s blowing. I’ve always taken that as a sign that she’s watching,” Roller said. Family members, including some who lived out of state, last saw Serenity around Christmas of 2020. She was reported missing l last year and found dead a few days later. Serenity’s mother, Catherine McKinney, and her mother’s boyfriend, Dakota Hill, were arrested in Kansas and charged with the crime. “This has been a very, very difficult year for me Since we lost her, my year has been in shambles,” said Melody Roller, Serenity’s paternal grandmother. Serenity’s body was found in February of last year. Her grandmother and father say this is the first time they have felt emotionally able to visit the site since that day. They hope the memorial will serve as a reminder that Serenity’s life will not be forgotten. “I love and miss her and will do everything I can just to make her proud, until the day will come when I will be able to hold her in my arms again,” said David Roller. As they mourn, they say they hope for justice for a young life tragically taken too soon. “I would do anything to have one more day. One more day would not be enough,” said Melody Roller.
A year after 4-year-old Serenity McKinney was found dead, wrapped in plastic inside a suitcase in the woods along the line of Bullitt and Jefferson counties, the family and loved ones have returned to remember the little girl.
Her father, David Roller, was among many who paid their respects to Serenity on Saturday.
“There’s a pinwheel here, and it’s blowing. I’ve always taken that as a sign that she’s watching,” Roller said.
Family members, including some who lived out of state, last saw Serenity around Christmas of 2020. She was reported missing last year and found dead days later.
Serenity’s mother Catherine McKinney and her mother’s boyfriend Dakota Hill were arrested in Kansas and charged with the crime.
“This has been a very, very difficult year for me since we lost her. My year has been in shambles,” said Melody Roller, Serenity’s paternal grandmother.
Serenity’s body was found in February of last year. Her grandmother and father say this is the first time they’ve felt emotionally empowered to visit the site since that day. They hope the memorial will serve as a reminder that Serenity’s life will not be forgotten.
“I love and miss her and will do everything I can just to make her proud, until the day comes when I can hold her in my arms again,” said David Roller.
As they mourn, they say they hope for justice for a young life tragically taken too soon.
“I would do anything to have one more day. One more day would not be enough,” said Melody Roller.
