Memorial set for strangled Arizona girl

KINGMAN, Ariz. — A public memorial service is scheduled Thursday for an 8-year-old girl whose body was found in a shallow grave less than a mile from her Bullhead City home on Sept. 2. She had been strangled.

The service for Isabella “Bella” Grogan-Cannella will be held at Bullhead Community Park at 5:30 p.m.

The funeral home helping coordinate the event said the service celebrating the girl’s life will include prayer, song and a balloon release. Mayor Jack Hakim and Bella’s elementary school teacher are among the scheduled speakers.

An account has been established for anyone interested in donating to support the family. Contributions to the Benefit Account for Bella are welcome at the First Convenience Bank branch inside the Wal-Mart Superstore, 2840 Highway 95.

A friend of the family, 26 year-old Justin Rector, is held without bond in the Mohave County jail, awaiting prosecution on charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder.

Justin Rector, a 26-year-old friend of Isabella’s family, was charged Thursday with first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with her death. He is being held without bail.