WACO, TX — It has been two days since 2-year-old Frankie Gonzales' body was found in a dumpster behind Park Lake Baptist Church. On Thursday, the family came to the site to pray for Frankie.
The dumpster that sat behind the church is now gone, but left behind is a brightly colored memorial decorated with balloons, candles, stuffed animals, and signs.
“To see everybody come together as one and support our family member, it means a lot,” said family member Jonathon Medina.
“They have shown a lot of love. It means a lot to me. A lot. A lot,” said family member Michael Ocasio.
Since learning of Frankie's death, the family has been struggling. With each passing day, they miss Frankie's smile and laughter.
“Even if they were mad at him, he would always find a way to make us laugh. He was a little kid. He was always outgoing. He always had a smile on his face,” said Medina.
The family came out to not only pay their respects but say thank you to the Waco community for all they've done.
“At night, people were coming with their boats and helping. Even after police stopped the search, we had family in the water searching, friends, people in the community,” said family member Brooke Martinez.
Bubba’s 33 in Waco has offered to pay for the funeral. On Thursday the family has gathered to thank Bubba’s and the community for being a voice for Waco’s baby.
“He will forever be Waco’s baby... forever,” said Martinez.
“He will never be forgotten,” said Ocasio.
Rock Ready is also donating funds to wrap baby Frankie’s casket. At this time, funeral arrangements are still pending, and autopsy results have still not been released.
