King's 35-member department had limited resources. When Kayla was killed, the agents were just weeks away from raids that netted more than 20 arrests last spring. Among those arrested were the grandmother, father and aunt of the boy who shot Kayla. The sting reduced crime across the board, King said Monday. Residents have actually applauded when police officers drive by, he said.
Grant money runs out, however, and federal agents eventually leave.
But in the wake of Kayla's death, new initiatives are bringing new hope. On Monday, Genesee County Prosecutor Arthur Busch presented to the Mt. Morris Township Board two proposals that, if implemented, will bring Beecher badly needed resources. Busch, who was profoundly affected by Kayla's death and bonded with many Beecher residents in the aftermath, has spent months preparing the proposals. It was a coincidence, he said, that he unveiled them on the eve of the somber anniversary. The federally funded program would assign a prosecutor to Beecher, targeting crimes that affect the quality of life, including prostitution, low-level drug activities, blight, loud music and loitering.