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Beloved Weeping Willow Dedicated To Slain Couple Chopped Down

LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - The search is on for the person who destroyed a beloved memorial in Longmont.

The vandal or vandals cut down a weeping willow tree the community planted in memory of Sean and Staci Griffin. They owned Boulder Stove and Flooring and were shot and killed by a disgruntled employee. The tree had been a way for the couple's only daughter to remember her parents.

Avery Griffin was just 13 years old when she learned her parents had been murdered.

Avery Griffin
Avery Griffin (credit: CBS)

"She was a little girl who was in shock," said Kelly Graham, Avery's friend's mother. "This tree had more meaning that just a tree."

The tree stood for five years until early Friday morning when somebody for an unknown reason to a chainsaw to it.

"She had a place to back when she's processed … her grief. And she had a place to come back and remember her mom and dad and remember Colorado," Graham said.

Sean and Staci Griffin
Sean and Staci Griffin (credit: CBS)

Graham had worked with Avery to also build a bench featuring a message of love from Avery to her parents.

"She was lovely when she sat and built the bench and designed the tiles," Graham said.

LONGMONT TREE CUT DOWN 10P5KG.transfer
(credit: CBS)

Despite the damage Graham is confident the community will make it right for Avery.

"The good will rally … we'll make this a place she can still come back to."

The Tree Farm in Longmont is looking to replace the tree.

LONGMONT TREE CUT DOWN 10PKG.4transfer
(credit: CBS)
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