Dozens of people gathered Saturday to ride to the capitol in honor of Adrian Jones.
In 2015, the 7-year-old boy died after years of abuse. His body was later fed to pigs by this father and stepmother.
People rode to remember this little boy and who he was. Like many 7-year-olds, he loved Spiderman and other superheroes, as well as chicken nuggets.
Most of the people that came out for the ride had never met Adrian or his family, but had heard his story.
“The details just came out and how horrific it was,” said Stephanie Knight, one of the organizers of the event, “He died two years ago, and no one in Kansas City had done anything for him.
That’s why Knight and her mother, Janell Pace took it upon themselves to organize this ride in Adrian’s honor.
"A lot of times we focus on the perpetrator and not the victim and I just wanted Adrian to be remembered for the strong boy he was," said Knight.
“We just really want to also raise awareness for the prevention of child abuse and some changes in our legislation,” said Pace.
Adrian’s half-sister Keiona Doctor and his grandmother Judy Conway say they’re very grateful for the kindness of these two strangers.
Extended coverage:
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“It’s truly a blessing that everyone has taken time out of their lives to come here,” said Doctor.
“I can never thank them enough,” said Conway.
While there is hope that the ride will raise awareness for child abuse prevention, it was really about one thing, honoring Adrian.
“He had more courage in his short 7 years of life than any adult I’ve ever known,” said Pace.
Pace and Knight say there need to be changes in legislation and policy so victims of abuse like Adrian don't slip through the cracks.
The funds raised at the ride will go towards Conway so that she can put together a memorial and headstone for her grandson.
