Jul 25, 2008 9:34 pm US/Eastern
Emotional Funeral Service Held For Pregnant Teen
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
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Funeral services were held today at the Trinity Church of God in Christ in McKeesport for 18-year-old Kia Johnson.
KDKA
Family and friends gathered today to remember a pregnant teenager who was murdered last week and had her baby cut from her womb.
Funeral services for 18-year-old Kia Johnson began at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Church of God in Christ in McKeesport.
It was an emotional ceremony, marked with joyful music and tearful outbursts. KDKA's Alison Morris reports that Johnson's grandmother had to be taken away in an ambulance after a fitful collapse.
Kia Johnson was found dead last Friday in the Wilkinsburg home of 38-year-old Andrea Curry-Demus. Officials say Johnson had been pregnant.
According to authorities, Johnson was found with her wrists and ankles bound with duct tape, her head covered in plastic and her unborn baby cut from her womb.
"It's just a tragedy the way this had to happen to my daughter," Johnson's mother, Darlene Lee said, fighting back tears after the service.
Curry-Demus was charged last Sunday with homicide, kidnapping and other offenses related to Johnson's death.
She was scheduled for a preliminary hearing in city court this morning; however, it was postponed until August 22nd because of the funeral.
At the service today, pastors encouraged nearly 100 family members and friends to forgive the crimes against Johnson and convert the anger in their hearts to love for Terrell Kian, Johnson's son, who survived the ordeal.
He is now home with family.
"He's gorgeous. He looks like a Johnson. Looks just like us," Eric Johnson, Kia's father said smiling.
He added that the baby is healthy and well.
Stay with KDKA for the latest details.
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