NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Family members have finalized funeral services for three-year-old Paris Roberts, a toddler who was fatally stabbed at her 9th Ward home almost two weeks ago. Although the funeral is not open to the public, loved ones say donations are being accepted to support the child’s family as they pick up the pieces.
A spokesperson with the Pedesclaux family says an account has been set up with Regions Bank to help cover funeral costs, along with the recovery of Paris’ two-year-old brother Jay’Ceon Roberts, who was left in critical condition after also being stabbed. Those wishing to donate can contribute to the Paris and JJ fund #2420.
Just two days after the two children were stabbed and their mother was arrested, the family issued a statement, suggesting mental illness played a significant role in the incident:
“On Sunday morning, the Pedesclaux family endured an unspeakable tragedy. Mental health is a crisis that is affecting every family and ours is no different.
The lack of mental health services and the toxic mix of social media has added to the problems we face as a community. This is a large family of faith and we ask with all humility that the city pray for our family and for our Paris and Jay’Ceon.
There will be no further statements from the family at this time.“
-The Pedesclaux Family
A memorial of balloons and stuffed animals lay outside the family’s Law Street home after the stabbing that claimed the life of 3-year-old Paris Roberts and left her brother fighting for his life. Neighbors told WGNO on Monday that the children’s father rushed to the home after learning they were in danger, seen on surveillance video desperately trying to save his kids’ lives.
“Their dad loved them. They meant the world to him, and there were so many people that loved them,” a family member told WGNO’s Jordan Lippincott in an interview on Monday, holding back tears as she spoke about the siblings. “They were so loveable. They loved everybody. They were the sweetest, most beautiful kids.”