SURGOINSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Family and friends of an East Tennessee girl who died after police said she was forced to drink grape soda are collecting donations to purchase a headstone for her.
The Kingsport Times News reported the half-sisters of 5-year-old Alexa Linboom, their mother and a former teacher are collecting contributions. The child's grave is now marked with a printed piece of paper in a plastic case.
The girl's father and stepmother, Randall and Mary Vaughn, were charged with murder, abuse and neglect in her death. Authorities said the Hawkins County couple forced her to drink about 2.4 liters of soda and water over a one-to-two hour span as a punishment. The massive liquid intake caused her brain to swell and herniate.
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