Bartlesville Infant Found Dead In Washing Machine Remembered In Candelight Vigil

Ashli Sims, News on 6

BARLTESVILLE, OK -- A grieving Green Country community remembered the short life of a little girl found dead in a washing machine earlier this month.

Bartlesville residents held a candlelight vigil Thursday night for Maggie May, who was just 10 days old when she died on November 4, 2010.

11/8/2010 Related story: Bartlesville Mother Charged In Baby's Death; Gains National Attention

"I didn't know if we'd have five people or 500 people," said Lisa Welch, who organized the service. "I'm really proud of our community tonight."

They showed up by the dozens. Escorted by Bikers Against Child Abuse, they marched with candles lighting their way to honor and remember a baby taken from this world just days after she entered it.

"Just that people will remember her, and even know it was a short life, that they'll remember her," Jessica Solis said.

Jessica Solis is Maggie May's aunt.

"Tiny, very tiny," Solis said. "Had long feet and long hands."

The 10-day-old baby was found dead in a washing machine in a Bartlesville apartment. Her mother, Lyndsey Fiddler, is behind bars, accused of the crime. Court records show there was methamphetamine in her system.

Two ladies who had never met Maggie May organized Thursday night's service and vigil because they were touched by her story.

"Maggie May's life means more than just how she died," Welch said. "I want people to remember her, I don't want it to keep happening."

Maggie May's aunt wants her niece's life to be a wakeup call to others.

"I want people to see the effects of drugs," she said. "It could have been prevented, it really could have."

They ended their candlelit walk at the Washington County Courthouse with a song. Then with a deep breath, a prayer, and a few tears, they let go. As balloons rose to the heavens, dozens of mourners hope Maggie May's memory won't fade away.

New court records reveal Lyndsey Fiddler told police she has no idea how the 10-day-old infant ended up in the washing machine. She remains in the Washington County jail, charged with felony child neglect in the death of her daughter.

The court appointed an attorney for Fiddler on Monday.  Her next court hearing is next month.

11/17/2010 Related story: Bartlesville Woman Charged With Child Neglect Gets Court Appointed Attorney