A five-year-old girl was remembered for her cheerful spirit by friends and family attending her funeral in Cornwall, Ont. Wednesday.
Alissa Martin-Travers was killed in her own home when someone allegedly charged into her family's house last Thursday.
Her mother and 17-month-old sister who were also home at the time of the attack were left unharmed.
Tiny casket
Alissa's tiny casket served as a reminder of just how small the young child was at the time of her death.
Associate pastor Father Matthew Brunet led Alissa's family and friends in prayer during the service.
"Alissa managed to do in five years what many can't do in a lifetime," Brunet told the congregation. "She introduced sunshine into the hearts and lives of many people. She made the world better and brighter."
Community greiving
Members of the Cornwall community are still shocked and reeling with grief after learning of Alissa's murder.
The mound of teddy bears placed outside Alissa's home following her death has grown to a pile of hundreds of stuffed animals and messages of remembrance.
One note from Alissa's classmates says they will miss their friend.
Suspect appears in court
Twenty-year-old Shane Haley who is charged with first-degree murder in Alissa's death made a brief court appearance via video, Wednesday.
Haley, who lives in Alissa's neighbourhood, was arrested without incident at his home last week.
Haley's family members were on hand at the courthouse to offer him support during his brief court appearance.
Haley was remanded until Friday when he will make another court appearance via video.
Watch CTV News at 6 for a full report from Aliya Jiwan
