Jadianna Larsen's Family Thankful For Outpouring Of Support From Community

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A large crowd gathered Monday evening outside the south Sacramento apartment complex where 6-year-old Jadianna Larsen was last seen, praying and paying tribute to the little girl killed just days ago.

Moranda Green wipes away tears as she tries to hand out candles for a vigil she wishes she didn't have to attend – a vigil for her cousin Jadianna, who was reported missing from a 47th Avenue apartment on Thursday. Jadianna's body found 90 miles away that same day.

"How do you deal with this? How do you deal with something so ugly?" Green said.

At a vigil organized by Jadianna's family Monday, dozens of strangers came out to show support.

MORE: Suspect Arrested, But Questions Remain In Killing Of 6-Year-Old Sacramento Girl

One family member who wasn't here: Jadianna's mother, who authorities say had been getting medical treatment when she left her child in the care of her boyfriend Juan Rivera – the man now charged in Jadianna's murder.

"My baby. She lost her best friend, she lost her daughter. She said, 'Daddy what do I do now?' I said we get strong," said David Clark, Jadianna's grandfather.

Clark says he's still angry about not getting notified by Bowling Green Charter school that Jadianna had missed classes all last week, especially since he says he's listed as an emergency contact.

CBS13 has learned the kindergartner had many absences throughout the year. And while the school district couldn't comment on her record, officials said they reached out to her family about those days missed several times.

"The school called and sent letters home and there were meetings with family, and even did a home visit," said Gabe Ross with the Sacramento City Unified School District.

But on this evening, while so many people are wondering what happened that led up to this tragedy and how it could have been prevented, Jadianna's family is trying to look to the future.

"There's no way to deal with it, but pray and ask God to help you every step of the way," Green said.

Rivera remains in jail after being arrested over the weekend. The 25-year-old is due in court Tuesday afternoon.