Molu Zarpeleh was an infectiously bright child who immigrated to the United States at age 4 with his mother and sister in hope for a new start under the American dream. He was an extremely compassionate and protective individual who cared for everyone and anyone around him.

      Instead of being reunited with his father for the fourth of july, he was drowned by older kids in Brookings, South Dakota on July 2nd, 2020. Kids lured him in,deceived his trust, and subsequently killed him for nothing other than his existence. The older kids told their parents what they did and were dismissed.

     The 10-year-old was reported missing around 10 p.m. Thursday as said by Brookings Fire Department Chief Darrell Hartmann. Molu's bicycle and sandals were found near a pond along 12th Street South around 11:30 p.m. Thursday, he said. After Molu was finally found, the parents then confessed that their kids had killed him. Brookings PD is trying to cover this horrific and gruesome act as an accident, "Detectives say a child told them Molu was pushed into the water, but authorities say the child later told them they made up the story", when it was indeed premeditated. His body was recovered from a privately-owned retention pond along 12th Street South around 8:40 a.m. Friday after authorities searched the pond.

     His family and the community is morning for his early departure. Lisa Plummer, Molu's ESL teacher at Medary Elementary, said "He poured himself into anyone else that needed him or wanted his friendship". His mother Philimenia says, "I don't even know what to do right now. I can't live without my son. I can't do it without my son. He was my everything. I can't live without my son. My heart is hurting."

     If you have any information that would bring justice to Molu, please call the Brookings Police Department non-emergency line at 692-2113. If you don't, sign this petition and make his smile a legacy.