Vigil held for 11-year-old girl found dead; mother faces murder charges

Family, friends, and community members gathered Tuesday for a vigil to remember 11-year-old London Olsen, who was found dead last week in a Baltimore County home. The vigil, held amid flickering candlelight and colorful balloons, was a poignant tribute to the young girl.

“She was a really nice girl to know, and I will miss her,” said a schoolmate.

London’s grandmother, Kimtrell Benton, offered a heartfelt prayer, saying, “May the investigators be your angels dear God. May the police be your angels dear God. May the legal system be our justice, dear God, thank you,” as she fought back tears. Benton is the mother of London’s mother, who is accused of strangling her daughter.

The child’s uncle, Brian Wilson, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, saying, “That pain that we go through is real. And just having the community rally behind us are people that we’ve never met. But they were in London’s life.”

London’s body was discovered by Baltimore County police last Thursday in her family home on Firethorn Road. Her mother, 34-year-old Keyona Dillon, is currently in jail, charged with first-degree murder in connection with her daughter’s death.

Family members said they had been concerned about Dillon’s behavior in the days leading up to the tragedy and had sought help for her and her children. Their alarm grew after seeing Dillon’s disturbing social media posts about her daughter.

At the vigil, emotions ran high, with frustration over what family members described as an avoidable tragedy. London’s aunt, Alexandria Spencer, voiced her anguish, saying, “We tried, and we called, and we cried, and we sent videos, and we sent emails, and that little girl died in this (expletive) basement. Because nobody listened, and everybody that saw it and didn’t say (expletive), it’s on you too.”

The vigil concluded with the release of balloons, symbolizing London’s departure. Family members are now making final arrangements for her funeral, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 7.

Have a news tip? Contact reporter Keith Daniels at [e-mail].