Pennsylvania

Vigil celebrates life of teen slain in 'rape-murder fantasy'

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Rodney, left, and Rose Hunsicker, birth parents of Grace Packer, arrive for a memorial service in Glenside, Pa., Monday, Jan. 16, 2017. Friends described Grace, allegedly killed by her adoptive mother and the mother’s boyfriend, as a bubbly girl who looked out for lonely classmates at school. (Art Gentile/The Intelligencer via AP) (The Associated Press)

Rodney, left, and Rose Hunsicker, birth parents of Grace Packer, arrive for a memorial service in Glenside, Pa., Monday, Jan. 16, 2017. Friends described Grace, allegedly killed by her adoptive mother and the mother’s boyfriend, as a bubbly girl who looked out for lonely classmates at school. (Art Gentile/The Intelligencer via AP) (The Associated Press)

A community near Philadelphia is gathering to celebrate the life of a 14-year-old girl who authorities say was killed and dismembered by her adoptive mother and the mother's boyfriend.

School parents describe Grace Packer as a bubbly teen who looked out for lonely classmates at Abington Junior High School. A vigil for Grace is being held Monday afternoon.

Organizer Andrea Green-Adams and others are also raising money to start a foundation to assist foster children in need. They are tentatively calling it "On Gracie's Wings" in a nod to Grace's love of butterflies.

Sara Packer and Jacob Sullivan are in custody awaiting a preliminary hearing Friday in Grace's death.

Authorities say they killed Grace as part of a "rape-murder fantasy." Sullivan has said he's sorry for what he did.