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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Neighbors and friends gathered Friday in the small community outside Rexburg where human remains, believed to belong to JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, were found earlier this week by law enforcement.
As a memorial for the children continued to grow with flowers and balloons, the community came together to show their love and support with thousands of yards of ribbon.
“We have about 4,000 yards of blue ribbon,” said neighbor Constance Haworth. “We just wanted to make some bows and just kind of put them out here throughout the Salem community, since this is where everything kind of took place.”
Haworth said they felt inspired by the words of Larry Woodcock, Vallow’s grandfather, as he visited the scene where the human remains were unearthed Tuesday.
“I’m not coming in hostility in any way,” he said. “This is not about hatred, this is about mending fences. And that is all I want to do.”
“We just want to show our 💕.” With 4000 yards of ribbon... Neighbors- previously weary of speaking with media- are breaking their silence to let #TyleeRyan & #JJVallow’s loved ones know they are not alone in their loss. @KSL5TVpic.twitter.com/3GBaoOIsYO
— Garna Mejia KSL (@GarnaMejiaKSL) June 12, 2020
“To come here without anger — I can’t imagine the strength of character,” Haworth said.
The ribbons were placed along fences near the Daybell property in Salem, Idaho, where the children’s bodies were found.
“When your heart is full and your hands are empty, it’s just better if your hands can be busy and you can be doing something, anything just to show love and support,” Haworth said.
