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LAYTON -- They call themselves Ethan's Army, even though none of them ever met the 4-year old boy. Even still, they think about him every day.
"This is in memory of Ethan Stacy," said Lucinda Martin, one of the army's organizers. "We're bringing child abuse awareness in memory of Ethan's death."
This is in memory of Ethan Stacy. We're bringing child abuse awareness in memory of Ethan's death.
–Lucinda Martin
Most people have heard Ethan's story. He came to Layton last year to live with his mother and stepfather for the summer, but never made it back to his father in Florida.
Stephanie Sloop, Ethan's mother, and Nathan Sloop, Ethan's stepfather, were arrested and charged with his murder.
It's that sad, depressing, tragic event which led to the creation of Ethan's Army.
"We can prevent this tragedy from happening," said Martin.
Saturday, like several times in the past year, more than a hundred members of the group marched from the home where Ethan died to the Davis County Jail in Farmington.
I think it's important that people are aware that child abuse is an epidemic. People need to be aware of the children in their neighborhood and in church. Keep an eye on them. If you suspect child abuse, don't be afraid to call and report it.
–Lucinda Martin
Many were wearing t-shirts with Ethan's picture; others had ribbons to remember his life.
"I think it's important that people are aware that child abuse is an epidemic," said Martin, "People need to be aware of the children in their neighborhood and in church. Keep an eye on them. If you suspect child abuse, don't be afraid to call and report it."
Although it is too late to save Ethan, there is still time to save the next victim.
"That's our purpose," said Martin, "it's to bring child abuse awareness to people."
Ethan Stacy's body was found buried in the mountains near the Powder Mountain ski resort. Court papers show Stacy was beaten, burned, and drugged during his short stay in Layton. When Stephanie and Nathan went to get married, Stacy was locked in a room.
Nathan and Stephanie Sloop will have their preliminary hearings this coming November.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
