On Sept. 14, Jack McCullough was found guilty of the kidnapping and murder of my sister, Maria. Maria was only seven years old when she and her friend Kathy, were playing near our home. On Dec. 3, 1957, almost 55 years ago, Maria was taken from us, and after the verdict, I was asked how I felt.

Today, in front of the Sycamore fire and police departments stands a plaque that reads, “This is in memory of Maria Elizabeth Ridulph who on Dec. 3, 1957, was kidnapped while playing near her home. She was found murdered in the spring of 1958. This is also in honor of the great people in our community that reached out with their love and compassion.”

As I look back over the events of the past 14 months, I again wish to thank the great people in our community who reached out with their love and compassion. In fact, not only to those in our community, but also to the many family members, friends and strangers throughout the country who have supported us throughout this difficult time.