8-year-old Trinity Bates

The teenager accused of murdering 8-year-old schoolgirl Trinity Bates is said to be in the friend list of both her parents on Facebook.

19-year-old Allyn John Slater, the accused, briefly faced Bundaberg Magistrates Court on a murder Charge Wednesday morning sitting barefoot and handcuffed behind glass.

The 8-year-old was allegedly abducted from her bed overnight last Sunday. Her pyjama-clad body was found in an open drain close to her home less than an hour after her father reported her missing about 5:45 am on Monday.

”She was a beautiful, happy, loved and loving little girl,” said Kerry Hanlon, Trinity’s grandmother.

Locals anger over the killing of Trinity is said to be escalating and police have reportedly urged Bundaberg residents to show restraint.

A number of tribute pages were set up on Facebook to honor Trinity, one of which has attracted more than 22,000 members by Monday. Facebook has also reportedly shut down one of the memorial sites which was defaced with pornographic and other offensive posts. Four person are under investigation on this matter.

According to the source, there will be a candlelight vigil held for Trinity in the center of Bundaberg tonight.

[Source: The Australian]