MT. PLEASANT (WJRT) -
(07/15/12) - A young life cut too short.
Four year-old Carnel Chamberlain touched the lives of hundreds of people, and Sunday, they gathered to mourn his loss.
Carnel's body was found at his Isabella County home a week after he went missing in late June.
Sunday afternoon, a memorial service was held for the little boy.
Carnel's mother's boyfriend, Anthony Bennet, is charged with abuse.
Now, a family member is speaking out, saying abuse is a big problem in the community.
ABC12's cameras weren't allowed in the ceremony at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort.
However, we caught up with the family afterwards.
A family spokesperson hopes Carnel's story helps resolve some long standing issues in the community.
Nearly 1,000 people came out to remember and grieve 4-year-old Carnel Chamberlain at a memorial service Sunday afternoon.
For Carnel's family, it doesn't mean closure, but it's a start.
"Closure for us is long off yet," said Kevin Chamberlain, family spokesperson.
Carnel was living with his mother and her boyfriend, Anthony Bennet.
Bennett was indicted in federal court last week and is facing abuse charges.
Kevin Chamberlain is hoping Carnel's case shakes some skeletons out of the closet in his community.
He says physical and sexual abuse is the "elephant" in their community.
Chamberlain says there's reason to believe Carnel's mother was abused by Bennet.
"This community can't easily hide and pretend any more," he said.
He's hoping Carnel's case can change how everyone looks at abuse.
"The Carnel Chamberlain Memorial Fund can be our hope, our hope to change the world, change the face of abuse and violence," he said.
Anthony Bennet is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court Monday morning.
