Kayleah Wilson mourners aren't distracted by shocking arrest of Robert Laurencio Montoya

The confirmation of twelve-year-old Greeley resident Kayleah Wilson's death transformed a Facebook page focusing on her safe return from a beacon of hope to a loving memorial. And that's remained the case despite the unsettling news that Robert Laurencio Montoya, eighteen, has been arrested and charged with sex abuse, for...

By Michael Roberts

May 24, 2010

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The confirmation of twelve-year-old Greeley resident Kayleah Wilson's death transformed a Facebook page focusing on her safe return from a beacon of hope to a loving memorial.

And that's remained the case despite the unsettling news that Robert Laurencio Montoya, eighteen, has been arrested and charged with sex abuse, for reportedly having a sexual relationship with the young girl beginning last October.

At this point, the messages on the Prayers For Kayleah Wilson's Safe Return page remain focused on the loss, with mentions of Montoya kept to a minimum. And that's also true of the memories left on the Kayleah page assembled by Stoddard Funeral Home in advance of her memorial service, scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow at Greeley's Clarion Hotel. Some sample messages:

Dearest Kayleah: although I didn't get to meet you this side of Heaven,You have left a lasting impression upon me, and I look forward to meeting you on Heaven's bright shore.

Kayleah, You have taught me so much about life. We know you are looking down upon us with your beautiful smile. God have a very special angel now. Love you Kayleah. Till I get to meet you. The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God. ~Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

Kayleah, although I didn't know you, I am friends with Jessica's mom, Michelle. April and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.

May the love of your family and friends get you through this time of grief.

Kayleah Janelle Wilson. I did not know you. But I know your cousin Atoinette/ She is my friend. Jesus has taken you home. You are in Our Saviours Arms Now. He will Love You

I am a Mother of a Missing Adult Son and so I have been following Kayleah's Story. My Thoughts & Prayers go out to All of The Family & Friends and I Hope that Wonderful Memories will Help Heal You During this Time of Loss! You are a "Beautiful Angel" Kayleah!!!

The notes come from all over the country: Minnesota, Maine, New York, Florida, etc. Clearly, Kayleah's story has had an impact from coast to coast -- and thanks to the unexpectedly lurid information that's already come out regarding Montoya, that's likely to remain the case for some time to come.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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