WATE – WHITE PINE, TN (WATE) – Curled up next to a small memorial for an 8-year-old girl who was shot and killed Sunday is a small puppy.
Recommended Videos
Neighbors and friends set up the memorial on the front porch of McKayla Dyer's home. It includes a cross, wreath, candle, cross, stuffed toy, balloons, and cards.
The girl's mother, Latasha Dyer, said their 11-year-old neighbor shot her after he asked McKayla Dyer to show him one of her puppies and she said "no." The boy has been charged with first degree murder.
PHOTOS: Click here to see a photo gallery of Mickayla Dyer.
The little girls two puppies are being taken care of by a neighbor. "They've been running to the porch they know is their home." explained neighbor Chasity Arwood, saying she's been trying to keep them occupied.
People who know the families say they feel for both sides. "My heart hurts because a little girl lost her life too young. And the little boy has to go through what he's going through," Arwood said.
Multiple neighbors told Tennessee reporters both families have moved out of the neighborhood, at least temporarily.
The visitation for McKayla Dyer is scheduled Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary in Maynardville. The burial is Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at Haun Cemetary in Luttrell.