Eugene (KMTR) - A community group in Eugene is trying to turn a tragedy into something positive. They need help from the public to make it happen.The Jeanette Maples Project started with a group of people who were involved in the case. Jeanette Maples was a victim of murder by abuse at the hands of her mother and stepfather. Detectives who worked on the case, their wives, caseworkers from Oregon’s Department of Human Services and staff from the school Maples attended are behind the project. They hope to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and to honor Jeanette.
Several members of the Jeanette Maples Project listened to weeks of horrible details about how she died. It made them think about what they could do in her memory. They also bring a message to the community that child abuse and neglect happens all of the time—and too often the victims are forgotten.
Priscila Hassleman, whose husband prosecuted the case, says of Jeanette, “She was always somewhere hidden away from everyone. In a way, we are wanting to do this memorial so she's out there; present in the community, being part of the community.”
The members of the project have come up with a few ideas:
- They'd like to place a memorial bench and a maple tree at Cascade Middle School, the last school Jeanette attended.
- They are also talking with the Bethel School District about building a bike path that connects Cascade with Malabon Elementary School.
- A local artist would like to draw a portrait of Jeanette and hang it in the children's section of the Eugene Public Library.
Now, it all comes down to finding the money. There are several ways for the community to help.
