WESLEY MULLINS - 6 yo (2007) - Paris KY

Nearly 4 years after 6-year-old Wesley Mullins was molested and murdered, Wesley's Place is open.
Wesley's Place will house non-profits aimed at keeping children in Paris safe.



"Initially we were hoping to put up something like a memorial garden
or a little park. It grew into this," says former Paris Police Chief and
Wesley's Place board member, Tim Gray.
"In those beginning days, people were driving by, just donating money
right and left. Basically led us to here, to this beautiful building
and led us to this service we can hopeful provide to the community,"
says Wesley's aunt and board member, Pamela Jacques.
"Not only will that honor and help us remember little Wesley, but
hopefully we'll not have another Wesley in this community again because
of this building, " adds Gray.
The multi-office building already has one new tenant, Community
Action Council, and hopes to add more programs geared at helping
children in the near future.
In the main lobby is a picture of Wesley, and adorning the walls of
the building are pictures drawn by Wesley's classmates with messages to
their fallen friend.
It took 3 years to complete Wesley's Place, and Jacques says its been an overwhelming experience to see it now open.
"Just to see it finally completed. It's been a long journey. It's been a wonderful, journey, but a long journey."
Gray says he never dreamed Wesley's unfortunate death would eventually be a catalyst to change within the community.
"After having been in the garage with little Wesley the night he was
found till this day, never really expected to take such a horrific
tragedy and turn it into such a positive. That's what happened. We're
just really proud," says Gray.

Both Gray and Jacques say its because of Wesley's spirit that the community came together to create Wesley's Place.
Jacques says Wesley's Place also plans to work with other
organizations and hold different events to spread the word about
child-related issues.
Lewis "Buck" Ballard was convicted of sodomy and murder in Wesley Mullins' death.
He was sentenced to life without parole.

http://www.wtvq.com/news/7644-building-in-honor-of-slain-child-opens