Gresham, OR: Family of 1-year-old murder victim releases statement

GRESHAM, OR (KPTV) -
Brooklyn Saechao celebrated the little girl's first birthday last week.

Now they are trying to cope with her sudden death. Gresham police say the 1-year-old girl was killed by her mother's boyfriend.

Her family released a statement Saturday evening, reading "The family appreciates the out pouring of support and prayers. Please give our family and friends time to grieve privately during this difficult time."

The girl died Thursday, after being rushed to the hospital Tuesday.

Her mother's boyfriend, Jeffrey Locker, called 911 to report the little girl was unconscious after she hit her head.

Locker was arrested on murder and manslaughters charges in eastern Oregon on Friday. He was booked into the Multnomah County jail.

Brooklyn Saechao's family asked for donations to be made to the Raphael House in Portland, an agency dedicated to ending domestic violence, in lieu of flowers.

Donations for the family are also being collected at Timeout Bar and Grill in Gresham, which is owned by a family friend.