Local

Van with fliers for Jorelys Rivera benefit stolen

MARIETTA, Ga.,None — A van containing thousands of fliers to promote a benefit concert for the family of Jorelys Rivera was stolen Saturday morning.

Michelle Thomaston said she and her husband parked the van outside of a Quick Trip convenience store on Powder Springs Street in Marietta and left the engine running.

Within minutes, someone jumped in the van and sped off, Thomaston said.

Thomaston and her husband had plans to spread the fliers all across metro Atlanta to publicize the event for the Rivera family.

"Because someone did that senseless act, we weren't able to do anything today," Thomaston said. "We've been here trying to piece our lives back together."

Thomaston said the thief also took off with her 3-month-old puppy, who was still inside her white Dodge Caravan.

"I would just hate for anything to happen to her, for her to just be out there if they put her out or if they did her any harm," she said. "It's just not right, you know?"

Thomaston, who goes by the stage name "Gemini," and her husband, planned to perform at the benefit concert at Canton Heritage Park on Sunday.

They said they're hurting for the Rivera family and the tragedy that they've had to endure.

Seven-year-old Jorelys went missing earlier this month. Her body was found in a dumpster at her apartment complex days later.

Apartment maintenance worker Ryan Brunn was arrested and charged with murder in her death.

"People are getting more desperate and just willing to do any and everything and not really care who it affects," Thomaston said.

The benefit is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Canton Heritage Park.

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