Bridgewater marks anniversary of Karissa's disappearance

More than 200 people gathered in Bridgewater Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil marking the anniversary of the day that Karissa Boudreau was reported missing.

The 12-year-old girl was found dead last February. Her mother, Penny Boudreau, has been charged with first-degree murder.

Adam Snair wonders if Bridgewater will ever forget.

"All we can do is just remember her in our hearts," said Snair, one of the local residents who braved the bitter cold in a park by the LaHave River.

"It's a very important night. It's hard to deal with as a community and share the support."

People placed candles in the snow in front of Karissa's photograph, as her favourite song, Bubbly, played. Some donated pet supplies in honour of the girl's dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Chastity Grear, Karissa's aunt who helped organize the memorial service, was pleased with the turnout.

"They came out and bared the cold, and it just shows how much she captured everybody's hearts and homes. They love her," Grear said.

It was one year ago that the town was in a panic over the missing girl.

Penny Boudreau reported her daughter missing. She said they had had a fight in the parking lot of a grocery store, and when she came back to the car, Karissa was gone.

Karissa's frozen body was discovered on the banks of the LaHave River on the outskirts of town nearly two weeks later.

Her mother was charged with first-degree murder months later.

Grear is waiting for the next step in the legal process.

"Justice, of course. That's what's left of this story. And keeping [Karissa's] memory alive," Grear said.

Penny Boudreau is scheduled to make her next court appearance on Friday.