People from all over Pueblo honor the life of a toddler

A candlelight vigil was held Friday in remembrance of an abused toddler who died.

More than 50 people showed up for the vigil in honor of 2-year-old Chassie Pietrolungo in front of the Pueblo County Courthouse.

The toddler died on Aug. 27 in a hospital. Her foster parents, Sarah and Paul Finn, told police Chassie fell down the stairs.

“There are so many people whose lives are touched by a single child, then when that’s taken away, that joy stopped in its tracks, it hurts. And it just doesn’t hurt a few people, it hurts a community,” Tyler Pietrolungo said. He is the brother of Chassie.

An emergency room doctor told officers the 2-year-old girl was suffering from a brain bleed and had injuries to her face and eyes. She also had bruises on her buttocks.

Sarah and Paul Finn are not in jail. Paul Finn bonded out, while Sarah Finn’s lawyer told a district judge that she is pregnant. Sarah Finn ended up being released from jail.

“It’s unfair that they are both walking the streets, running their lives,” Pietrolungo said.

Sarah Finn is facing a charge of child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury. Paul Finn is facing a charge of withholding proper medical care.

Both said they were in the process of adopting the child through the Fost-Adopt program.

Their next court appearance is set for Jan. 9.