HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — Every city has a history attached to it. Some good things, some bad, and the City of Highland Park had a heartbreaking one.
46 years ago, 12-year-old Edith Perchman was murdered while out delivering newspapers. It was a case of mistaken identity.
She was with her father, her sister and a family friend in the car, but it was Edith's turn to toss a newspaper at the next home.
Before she could throw the paper on the porch of the man's home, bullets rang out and she got hit.
She was shot 15 times. Her father was injured that day as well and later died due to complications.
The gunman, Rudolph Acosta, turned himself in to police and was charged with second-degree murder. He served only six years.
Now, decades later, Angela Lugo-Thomas, Glenda McDonald and Mama Shu are working to clean up a city park named after Edith in 1975.
"I lived here 20 years and didn't know until last month this area is the city park. And it was named after Edith Perchman," she said.
The park was abandoned and never developed. Her sister wanted to, but it didn't happen, and now, these ladies are taking it on.
Angela eventually got a sign bearing Edith's name and her story of how her life came to an end.
"Edith, we put respect on your name. We're building the park that was said to be built 46 years ago and we're making it happen now," they said.
Now, they're looking to raise money to bring Edith Perchman's park to life.
You can donate to their project by clicking here.
