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Team CoverageFamily, friends and community members paid their respects today at Hser Nay Moo's funeral. Hundreds of people, including Gov. Jon Huntsman and Utah's first lady, came to say good-bye to the 7-year-old girl who was kidnapped and murdered last week.
The funeral began at 11:00 this morning and lasted just over an hour. Some of the people who attended the funeral spoke to Eyewitness News and said it definitely gives them a sense of closure.
"It's just devastating to think that one of our own in the community had to go through this, especially so young," said mourner Sheryl Smith.
Eva Bartsch said she felt like she needed to come to support the family. "All of us are from somewhere elsewhere in the world, and so it effects all of us," she said.
Hser Nay Moo's father and uncle spoke both spoke at the funeral. The service was delivered in both English and the family's native Burmese dialect. Translation receiver boxes with headphones were also available.
Some community members showed up early this morning to visit her open-casket viewing. Also, in a side room there were scrap books, cards, pictures and a video dedication all for Hser Nay Moo's family.
Hser Nay Moo's mother covered her eyes and cried as her daughter's casket was placed in the hearse.
"I believe that's been a great blessing, that they know where she is. They have a very strong faith in Christianity and believe that all is well with their daughter," family spokesman Paul Van Dyke said.
The funeral procession passed Woodrow Wilson Elementary, where the Hser Nay Moo went to school. At the gravesite, a teacher at the school performed a Thai funeral custom of symbolically "releasing" Hser Nay Moo to heaven.
"Dearest student, Hser Nay Moo: Your classes at Woodrow Wilson are now complete. You are now released to attend classes with Heavenly Father in heaven," the teacher said.
After the service, people in the community comforted Hser Nay Moo's parents and brothers. Some of them had searched for the girl. Others just wanted to support the family.
"I think it's great for the family to know that they're not alone and every aspect of the community is with them," said Edward Crowell, with Bikers Against Child Abuse.
Smith said, "Their family needs to know that this isn't a bad community, that we all love each other, and we're all here for one another."
Sauan Sukhan was also touched by the community's response. He's from Thailand and feels special connection with Hser Nay Moo's family. "For me, I am so overwhelmed with emotions to see the outgoing of support and love from the community, and it's very touching. I will remember this for a long, long time," he said.
The man accused in Hser Nay Moo's murder is in jail. Formal charges are expected to be filed against Esar Met tomorrow morning.
E-mail: syi@ksl.com
E-mail: tcallan@ksl.com
