Shaniya Davis Funeral Video: Father Bradley Lockhart Said God "Did This for a Reason"
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (CBS/AP) More than 2000 people joined Shaniya Davis' father, Bradley Lockhart, Sunday, at an emotional funeral for the North Carolina 5-year-old, who police say was raped, murdered, then thrown in a pile of trash bags and deer carcasses like she was someone's garbage.
PICTURES: Shaniya Davis Found Dead
PICTURES: Shaniya Davis' Vigil
"Don't let God's words and don't let his actions get you down," Lockhart told the packed congregation. "He did this for a reason."
Police say Mario Andrette McNeill, an associate of Shaniya Davis' mother, Antoinette Davis, raped and murdered the young girl the same day her mother reported her missing Nov. 10. McNeill turned himself in to police two days after he was seen on a horrifying hotel surveillance video carrying Shaniya Davis down a hall and towards an elevator.
PICTURES: Shaniya Davis Found Dead
PICTURES: Shaniya Davis' Vigil
He has been charged with first degree murder, first degree rape of a child and kidnapping.
Police also believe Antoinette Davis sold her daughter as a sex slave to McNeill. She has been charged with human trafficking. It's not yet clear how the two know each other.
Shaniya Davis' body was found Nov. 16, nearly a week after she was reported missing.
On Sunday, at the edge of his daughter's casket, Lockhart said, "Shaniya, Daddy love you honey. And I know you're gonna' be waiting for me … I'll see you when I get there."
White doves were released during a graveside service.
Lockhart urged the 1,500 crowded into Manna Church and another 500 watching the service from an adjacent building to help the community's needy, according to press reports.
PICTURES
PICTURES: Shaniya Davis Found Dead
PICTURES: Shaniya Davis' Vigil
VIDEO
VIDEO: WRAL - Funeral for Shaniya Davis
VIDEO: WRAL - Funeral held for slain Fayetteville girl
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