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Neighbors: We Must Learn From Nixzmary's Death

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Jan 16, 2006 1:15 am US/Eastern

Neighbors: We Must Learn From Nixzmary's Death

People From All Over Brave Cold To Visit Nixzmary Memorial, Naomi Rivera

BROOKLYN (CBS) ― A bitter wind whipped the tarp protecting a memorial for Nixzmary Brown outside the apartment where the severely beaten and sexually abused little girl died Wednesday. Despite the chill, a steady stream of New Yorkers still visited to say a prayer or drop off a balloon or teddy bear.

"Too many kids getting hurt like this, a lot of times neighbors don't know," said Greta Hunter, who dropped off a teddy bear. "You don't know what happens behind closed doors. But the family does. And it's just a shame."

One neighbor, who used to see Nixzmary visit this corner store, says in hindsight the usually happy second grader seemed different in recent weeks.

"The last time I seen her, she walked with an awkward walk, like hurt," Tyrone Houston said.

The apartment where Nixzmary died remains sealed by police. Other occupants of the building declined to comment.

For some, the crime has brought back memories of the equally brutal murder of Lisa Steinberg, killed by her adoptive father, Joel, in Greenwich Village in 1987.

The crime spurred Ed Alvarado to write a poem for Lisa. On Sunday, he brought a copy to the funeral home where Nixzmary's wake will be held Monday and Tuesday.

"These kids, they can't defend themselves," Alvarado said. "It's the same as an elderly person. They cannot defend themselves. Something's gotta be done."

Also Sunday, state assemblywoman Naomi Rivera held a news conference at Bronx County court about the need for stiffer penalties for child killers.

"We don't want to hear that there's an investigation," Rivera said. "We want to know the results of that investigation, and we want to know who will be held responsible for Nixzmary's death."

In the wake of this tragedy, city officials are asking anyone who has information that a child is being neglected or abused to call 311 or 911 if the child is in imminent danger.

(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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