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Friends And Family Of Neveah Gallegos Hold Celebration Of Her Life

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - On Sunday friends and family of a child murdered by her mother's boyfriend held a celebration of her life and vowed never to forget.

The grandmother of Neveah Gallegos organized the remembrance. It was held at the place where the 3-year-old's body was found in 2007 -- a ravine in Lakewood off Perry Street.

Children released balloons to remember Neveah and a local minister spoke to the gathering.

"Children, this is for you. If you are being abused in any way, you need to tell someone. You need to tell your mother, your father, your grandmother, your grandfather, your cousins, your sisters, brothers, friends," the minister said. "You can tell teachers, policemen, firemen, pastors; you need to tell someone. There is no reason for you to be abused by anyone."

Angel Montoya
Angel Montoya was found guilty on May 7, 2012, of killing Neveah Gallegos (credit: Denver DA/CBS)

Earlier this month Angel Montoya was sentenced to life in prison without parole for murder and child abuse resulting in death. Miriam Gallegos is already serving a 12-year sentence for covering up the crime. She lied to police and said a red-haired man had abducted her daughter.

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