VALRICO, FL -- Monday, Hillsborough County Code Enforcement officers will be at the scene where deputies found the body of 2-year-old Luis Martinez Saturday.
Officials say the boy may have fallen into a small opening of a septic tank in front of an abandoned mobile home, an opening that Sheriff David Gee remarked had grass growing around it for a few years.
Meanwhile, the outpouring of support from the community could be seen Sunday, when a second candlelight vigil was put together for the toddler.
Tony Abramson, a father of seven, helped coordinate collections for Luis' family. "I'm completely amazed at the way this community has come together at a time like this," he said. "I'm sure if it was one of mine, God forbid, that somebody would do the same for me."
Near the scene, a makeshift memorial that has doubled in size in just one day shows how Luis' short life has brought strangers together.
Toys, flowers and candles - in honor of the toddler who didn't have a chance to live life.
Meanwhile, loved ones looked beyond the crime scene tape nearby to see where deputies say Luis fell.
Amanda Collelo and her sister, after attending the vigil for Luis Saturday night, came back Sunday with a basonnet and microwave for his family.
A simple gesture showing that even strangers are touched by the loss of a child.
"I have a 3-year-old son and it took my breath away," Collelo said. "It just breaks your heart. She's grateful and it's just a hard situation to be in. I couldn't imagine."
Blanca told abcactionnews.com the Martinez family is hoping to send Luis' body to Mexico for burial. She says her church, Horizon Christian Church, is taking monetary donations to raise money for funeral expenses.
If you would like to help the Martinez family, Tony Abramson is coordinating donations for Luis' family. He can be reached at (813) 325-7933 or
Anthony.Abramson@yahoo.com.
Also, Blanca Morales encourages Spanish-speaking donors to call her at (813) 486-5128 or
Mikar272@tampabay.rr.com.
