KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Dozens of people met in the parking lot of the Coach Lite Club in Kansas City, Kansas Saturday for a benefit dinner in Olivia Jansen's name.
“It’s just amazing to see how many people have come out for her," said Ramona Olivas, a family friend.
Together, the community put together a $10 taco dinner to raise money to help pay for a memorial to honor the late 3 year-old girl.
“I think that’s amazing because I think that those benches will always be something to remember Olivia by," said Olivas.
If the fundraiser brings in enough money, Olivas told 41 Action News the funds would help purchase three benches with Olivia's name and photo.
Earlier this month, Kansas City Kansas Police found Olivia's body near the home she was staying at with her dad, Howard Jansen III and his known girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick. The two are now charged with Olivia's murder.
“We are going to show up at the court day, we’re going to show up at every court date, and we’re going to fight for this little girl," said David Montgomery, a family friend.
Last week, the Kansas Department for Children and Families said they would give 41 Action News a summary of Olivia's file. Now, the agency says they don't know when they will release any information they have on her.
“We have to fight for answers at the end of the day, we have to know those answers," said Montgomery.
As loved ones wait for justice, they community wants the family to know they stand with them.
“I know they’re hurting but this community is here, we got them, we’re supporting them, we have their back. We have Olivia’s back," said Olivas.
