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Father Of Slain Menifee Boy To Hold Public Memorial Service

MENIFEE (CBSLA.com) — The father of an 11-year-old Menifee boy who police said was killed by his half-brother will hold a public memorial for his son this week.

Terry Smith Sr. said he wants to thank the community and those who searched for Terry Jr. at the service, which will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Lamb's Fellowship in Lake Elsinore.

"He just wants to thank the community," Michelle Page, a spokeswoman for Smith Sr., told City News Service. "Terry Jr.'s mom held a private service, and a lot of people who put their heart and soul into trying to find this little boy are pretty angry about that. Terry Senior wants to thank all the volunteers who did right by his son and perhaps give them a little closure."

Terry Jr. was reported missing by his mother on July 7. The boy's remains were found in the backyard of his home shortly after midnight on July 10. Authorities allege his 16-year-old half-brother, Skylor Atilano, buried him after killing him.

Atilano was arrested and charged with murder. He's being held at Southwest Juvenile Hall in Murrieta.

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(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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