Family of Major Harris, Mallery Muenzenberger mourn losses
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Hope was shattered Thursday for the family of Mallery Muenzenberger and Major Harris.
Milwaukee police found the missing Onalaska toddler dead in Milwaukee Thursday, a week after his mother was also found dead in the city. On Friday, The Milwaukee Medical Examiner ruled Major’s death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head.
A statement from the family thanked those who helped search for Major, and those who kept the family in their thoughts and prayers.
“Our family is heartbroken and devastated beyond belief,” a statement from the family said. “We had so much hope for the return of our beautiful Major, that was shattered yesterday. We have been left with so many unanswered questions.”
In the statement, the family reflected on Mallery and Major’s final memories with the family, where they spent time harvesting the garden, gathering eggs and fishing.
“Major’s grandparents (Mallery’s father and stepmother) are holding to their last few memories of the time spent together before this horrible tragedy began to unfold,” the statement said.
Major was last seen in La Crosse on Oct. 9. An Amber Alert was issued for the three-year-old on Saturday, Oct. 17, after Milwaukee police discovered he was missing.
The suspect vehicle from Major’s Amber Alert was found Monday, and Jaheem Clark, a suspect in Muenzenberger’s death and Major’s disappearance, was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Sunday.
Milwaukee police arrested several others in connection with Muenzenberger’s death Wednesday night. No arrests have been made specifically in connection to Major.
Police recovered Major’s body about three miles away from where his mother was killed. Investigators are not sure how long Major’s body had been in that location.
The statement said Mallery’s last words to her father were “I love you, Dad.”
The family wishes to have Mallery and Major buried together.
“Please pray for all of our families and that justice is served for those involved in this heinous tragedy,” the statement said.
The full statement can be found here.
In Milwaukee, Major’s father Carlton Harris thanked the community for their efforts, but he and other family members are criticizing Milwaukee police for not doing enough.
“They dropped the ball here. That’s what it was. And that little boy didn’t deserve that. My little cousin didn’t deserve that at all. Mallery didn’t deserve that,” said Danielle Harris, Major’s cousin.
Both families are devastated, and tonight they pray for answers.
“I want to thank the community for all of their help,” Harris said. “I pray for my family. I pray for Mallery’s family, my son, I pray for their souls.”
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