ROSEVILLE, Calif. — A Celebration of Life was held of Cryus Blakley in hopes of providing some closure to a Roseville community reeling from the nine-year-old's death. However, there are still many difficult questions left behind, including why did his death even happened.
At the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Rancho Cordova, dozens gathered to celebrate his young life.
Grandmother Ramona Blakley remembers the last time she spoke to him on the phone, just a few days before his death. Cyrus was asking when he could see them next.
“Dear lord, if I had known what was coming, I would have told him, 'I am on my way. I will get you now,'” said Blakley.
Investigators said, last month, Cyrus was taken to the hospital unresponsive. He died three days later.
His adoptive parents Kimberly and Cory Blakley are behind bars, accused of killing and torturing the child.
Cyrus’s former first grade teacher Tricia Moaughan from Golden Valley River School said she was shocked when she heard the news.
“So many questions that you ask yourself. Was there something that I did not see? Was there something more that I could have done? There were no signs that I personally saw of any kind of abuse,” said Moaughan.
She said the Blakely children were all so loving. She described Cyrus as an artist, an athlete and said his favorite color was blue.
“He was thriving just a joyous happy boy,” said Moaughan.
Many of Cyrus’s classmates in attendance snuggled up next to their parents in church pews.
According to family members, Cyrus and his two biological siblings were adopted by the Blakley’s two years ago.
The Blakley’s also had three other children, each of the kids ranging from 6-13 years old.
After a history of failed foster placements, Cyrus was with the Blakley’s for two years.
Cyrus’s grandfather Timothy Blakley shared a poem written by his siblings at the service.
“To his brother and sister, Cyrus enjoyed life like no other. As Bella puts it, Cyrus was my silly funny brother. Kaitlyn likes to brag how he always went the extra mile, and of course, she also gushes about his adorable Cyrus smile,” said Timothy.
He said he and his wife loved being Cyrus’s Memaw and Papaw and take comfort in the amazing community the other children have supporting them.
“I appreciate the love, the dedication and commitment from the community. It was just amazing,” said Timothy.
ABC10 spoke with the grandparents, who are currently living in Florida. They said they want to take custody of all the children but are waiting for the courts to decide.
The adoptive parents remain in custody without bail at the Placer County jail. A family advocate currently has custody of the siblings.
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