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Hundreds Attend Axel Charrette's Memorial

by KREX News Room
by Danielle Kreutter

Story Created: Mar 12, 2013 at 9:58 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 14, 2013 at 6:52 PM MDT

RIDGWAY, Colo. - An entire community turned out to pay their respects to Axel Charrette, the young Western Slope boy who was killed during a family vacation in Mexico.

Officials say 2-year old Axel Charrette of Ridgway was assaulted and murdered by his babysitter's ex-boyfriend.

Prosecutors say the man has been arrested and charged with rape and murder in the February 28 attack. Prosecutors also say the babysitters has been charged with homicide.

Hundreds of community members filled up parking lots and walked from blocks away to show their support for the Charrette family at Axel's memorial Tuesday evening.

A family spokesperson says the Charrette's have been overwhelmed by the actions of their neighbors. Almost everything used for the memorial service was donated and even the building rental fee was paid for by an anonymous donor.

"From housing to transportation to food and financial help, the community at large rose to the occasion in a monumental way," said Charrette family spokesperson Brian Scranton, "Many people are saying they've lost faith in humanity and that one person can ruin it for everyone, all I can say is there are thousands of people, thousands of people that are coming to the aid of the Charrette's."

During the service, family and friends spoke fondly of Axel, explaining how he made the absolute most of the two years he was able to spend with them.

A memorial fund is still active for Axel at any Alpine Bank location. The fund will not only go towards helping the Charrette family, but also to programs that help kids ride bikes which was a favorite hobby of Axel's.


Scranton also tells NewsChannel 5 that the family is currently working with the Bureau of Land Management to build and name a single track biking trail in Axel's honor.

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