Event for kids is in memory of slain family

GIRARD — Cindy Michael only had the opportunity to buy her grandson one book bag before his life was taken.

Another grandson was taken at too young of an age to ever need a book bag.

Now, Michael and other family members are offering book bags to other children in hopes of keeping her grandsons’ memory alive and the circumstances of their deaths on the minds of law enforcement.

It has been nearly two years since someone took the life of city resident Lena Cross, then set her house on fire — also taking the lives of her two children Mason Cross, 5, and Christian Pizzulo, 2.

Cross, 22, died of multiple stab wounds, and her young sons died of smoke inhalation in the fire that tore through their duplex at 413 Dearborn St. on Sept. 12, 2005.

Family members, via the Lena, Mason and Christian Memorial Fund, will be hosting a “fun-filled day for kids” from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Tod Park. Book bags and school supplies will be given to children in attendance.

For more, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com