Memorial for Maleah Davis growing where police found her body in Arkansas

Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton and his wife placed a pink cross near the area where Maleah Davis' body was recovered near Fulton, Arkansas. Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton and his wife placed a pink cross near the area where Maleah Davis' body was recovered near Fulton, Arkansas. Photo: Courtesy Of Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton Photo: Courtesy Of Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close Memorial for Maleah Davis growing where police found her body in Arkansas 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

The town of Fulton, Arkansas, is still reeling after authorities found the body of Maleah Davis in the area last week, ending a nearly month-long search for the 4-year-old Houston girl who captured the nation's attention.

Last Friday, Houston police were led to an area along Interstate 30 near Fulton — about 330 miles from Houston — where workers previously discovered a bloodied black garbage bag in the area. It was later confirmed to be Maleah, who had been missing from Houston since May 3.

As people mourn her loss, Fulton community members have organized a memorial service for Maleah on Saturday at the Red River Truck Stop. Additionally, a memorial for the little girl has grown over the last few days in the area where she was discovered.

"If you're in law enforcement ... you're going to see horrible and cruel things," Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton previously told the Houston Chronicle. "There's a lot of evil in the world."

The boyfriend of the girl's mother allegedly confessed to killing the girl and dumping her body in Arkansas.

A work crew had seen what they thought was animal remains in a black garbage back. On the day of Vence's confession, a mower struck the bag, tore it open and scattered its contents along the roadway, Singleton said.

Police and search teams helped wrap the child's remains in a unicorn blanket and place it inside an ice cooler.

Singleton said he and his wife placed a pink cross in the area soon after police made the discovery. Since then, people have added flowers, balloons and other memorial items along Interstate 30 at the 18 mile marker in Fulton.

Singleton posed for a photo with a young boy who traveled 60 miles with his mother to place a teddy bear and flowers at the site. Singleton also saw a couple from Houston who crossed state lines to pay their respects.

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.