Gathering Held In Support Of Woman Beaten With Bat At Lodi Park
LODI (CBS13) - The teenager accused of brutally beating a stranger in a Lodi dog park will be evaluated by three doctors as she sits in jail on $1 million bond.
While 17-year-old Dulce Rios is being charged as an adult for the attempted murder and robbery, the woman she attacked is in the ICU trying to recover.
Jacqueline Pickett's family and friends held a vigil at her church Thursday night. Organizers of the gathering were quick to point out there was no room for bitterness or resentment. This event was one of prayer and celebration of Jacqueline Pickett's warrior spirit.
Pickett's boyfriend, Christopher Knight, offered some of the most touching words, calling her recovery so far a miracle, and that evil did not win.
"She needs an army of warriors to fight for her strength," he said.
United in color and purpose, the Lodi community gathered in a standing-room-only push for justice for Jacqueline Pickett.
"Because she has all of her angels right here praying for her, I believe she's going to make it and be back where she wanted to be," said Knight.
Pickett meantime remains in the ICU.
"I've had a candle lit for her, I've prayed for her. I can't sleep. I care," said Joann Price, a concerned parent.
Talks about Pickett brought smiles and laughter as many reflected on her love of purple, her affinity for elephants and deep devotion to God -- all bringing comfort to friends and family.
"She is the nicest person. Like, honestly, I've never seen her not happy, even when it was at work, even when it was busy and customers were rude to her, she still had a smile on her face," said Melinda Sanchez, a former co-worker.
Family friends tell CBS13 more than $32,000 has been raised to help cover her medical expenses. It's a generous gift for a vibrant young soul.
"Please keep praying…please. The more prayer that she gets, the better healing she's getting. God's with her every step of this way," said Jami Spangola, a family friend.
Just a few hours ago, a Facebook post by Pickett's mother said, "Jackie has had a very difficult 24 hours. Jackie does not know what happened, but just now said, crying in pain, 'Why did she do this to me? Can she undo it?'"
Rios will be back in court on February 4.
Police say a motive for the attack is unclear.
