To show their sympathy to the family of a five-year-old boy killed on Thursday, homes in Hilltown community in Berne, New York, would all be lit up with candles on Saturday night.

The victim, Kenneth White, died of asphyxia due to strangulation and trauma caused by a blunt object, said Craig Apple, sheriff of Albany County. He identified the suspect behind the murder as the boy's cousin, 19-year-old Tiffany VanAlstyne, who pleaded "not guilty" to the second-degree murder charge filed against her.

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Apple said that ValAlstyne, after killing the boy, placed Kenneth's body inside a culvert opposite their house on Thacher Park Road. She then covered him with snow. Initial reports pointed to two men in ski masks had abducted White, but some residents doubted the report because their community has no record of such incidents.

VanAlstyne called 911 on Thursday afternoon to report that White was missing. At 9 p.m., a K-9 picked a scent which led to the culvert where the boy's body was found.

One long-time resident of Hilltown, June Springer, commented, quoted by News10, "It's heartbreaking. It shouldn't have happened. That little boy should be enjoying Christmas, and she should pay for it. She should pay for the rest of her life."

Her remarks sums up what many in Hilltown feel, which netizens share as well after news of the murder was posted on social media sites. A Facebook page "Lights for Kenneth White" was created, calling for readers to post photos of their lit candles and messages in memory of the victim.

Heart-tugging messages include the following: "God has you in his arms little man. You are safe now," "Fly high little angel. May you rest in peace" and "This is for you sweet baby Kenneth and your sisters."

The couple who raised Kenneth, his twin sister Cheyenne and their 4-year-old sister Christine, are their legal guardians. The three kids have been living with them since September, although they have been with the couple for more than a year, according to The Hamilton Spectator.

The girls are now under the custody of Child Protective Services, said Apple.

He said their cousin used to care for the three kids. On Thursday, they went to a doctor and stopped at a pharmacy to have a prescription filled. They got home at around 12:40 p.m., and VanAlstyne made the 911 call at 1:20 p.m.

She was arraigned on Friday and will be back in court on Tuesday for the initial hearing to enter a plea.

Tagskenneth white, Murder, light a candle