Editorial: Gabby’s Games draw 167 children to Sumpter event

At the Aug. 27 meeting of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees, Police Detective/Sergeant John Toth explained his idea of an event to remember Gabrielle Barrett, a four-year-old who was murdered in her home in Rawsonville Woods on Jan. 1, 2018. Her mother and the mother’s boyfriend are now serving long terms for the crime.
Det./Sgt. Toth said his idea to have an event was discussed with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office as something to remember Gabby. He said the Rawsonville Woods community has the largest number of children in the township. The event planning started with the police and fire departments and then spread to the Parks and Recreation Commission, as well, as the idea grew. Businesses in the community were contacted an no one said no, Toth said.
He said on the day of the event when a representative of the prosecutor’s office arrived, they walked to the place where Gabby was found and then they returned to the clubhouse area and, “I saw all those kids. They were everywhere,” Toth said in wonder.
He said the children were playing regular games, getting food, and attending educational programs. Det./Cpl. John Ashby said it was Toth’s “brain child” and, “It wouldn’t have happened without him.” Congratulations to all who helped the children – and remembered Gabby.