A Fort Wayne aunt is turning heartbreak into hope this weekend as she organizes a fundraiser to honor her 2-year-old niece who was murdered in a 2021 quadruple homicide. The event comes just weeks after Indiana lawmakers passed legislation in the little girl’s name to strengthen victims’ rights.
Community Rallies Behind Domestic Violence Prevention
Kayley Richardson, owner of Grounded 37, is partnering with the DeKalb County Domestic Violence Task Force for a special fundraiser on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place outside Slow Burn Books in Garrett, Indiana.
Richardson’s niece, Aubree Zent, was one of four people killed in a domestic violence-related murder that shocked the Fort Wayne community five years ago. The toddler’s death left an indelible mark on her family and sparked a mission that continues today.
“When my 2-year-old niece was murdered due to a domestic violence situation, I knew that I wanted to make it my life’s mission to keep her memory alive by supporting past, current, and future victims of domestic violence,” Richardson explained.
The timing of Saturday’s fundraiser holds deep significance. Aubree would have celebrated her seventh birthday on Monday, a milestone her family will mark with purpose rather than just pain.
Legislative Victory Brings Lasting Change
The fundraiser follows a major legislative win for Richardson’s family and domestic violence advocates across Indiana. Senate Bill 9, officially known as Aubree’s Law, was signed by Governor Mike Braun in early March 2026 during the Indiana General Assembly session.
The groundbreaking legislation requires defendants to remain in the courtroom during victim impact statements. Previously, defendants could choose to leave during these powerful testimonies, denying victims and their families the opportunity to confront those responsible for their trauma.
Family members of the Fort Wayne quadruple murder victims testified before lawmakers to push for the bill’s passage. Their advocacy transformed personal tragedy into systemic change that will affect courtrooms throughout Indiana.
The new law ensures that defendants must face the consequences of their actions by hearing directly from those they have harmed.
Grassroots Effort Supports Local Resources
All proceeds from Saturday’s event will benefit the DeKalb County Domestic Violence Task Force, an organization that provides critical services to abuse survivors. The task force offers emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning to individuals and families escaping violent situations.
Richardson’s business, Grounded 37, has become a vehicle for her advocacy work. The collaboration with Slow Burn Books demonstrates how local businesses can leverage their platforms to address community issues and support vulnerable populations.
Community members unable to attend the Saturday fundraiser can still contribute through online donations to the DeKalb County Domestic Violence Task Force. The organization relies heavily on charitable contributions to maintain its programs and expand services.
Domestic violence remains a pervasive problem in Indiana and nationwide. Statistics show that one in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime. Children exposed to domestic violence face increased risks of emotional, behavioral, and developmental problems.
Keeping Aubree’s Memory Alive
For Richardson and her family, the work of honoring Aubree extends far beyond a single fundraiser. The passage of Aubree’s Law represents a permanent legacy that will protect countless victims in Indiana courtrooms for years to come.
The Saturday event offers community members a tangible way to support domestic violence prevention efforts while commemorating a life cut tragically short. Richardson’s determination to transform grief into action exemplifies the resilience many survivors and their families must summon in the aftermath of violence.
Aubree Zent’s name now appears in Indiana legal code, ensuring that her brief life carries lasting meaning. The legislation bearing her name empowers victims to share their stories without defendants walking away, strengthening accountability within the justice system.
As Richardson prepares for what would have been her niece’s seventh birthday, she finds purpose in continuing the fight against domestic violence. Her grassroots fundraising efforts complement the legislative victory her family helped secure, creating change at both the policy and community levels.
The Fort Wayne community’s support for Richardson’s mission reflects a growing recognition that domestic violence affects everyone. By attending fundraisers, advocating for stronger laws, and supporting local task forces, residents can contribute to preventing future tragedies.
Saturday’s fundraiser at Slow Burn Books in Garrett offers northeast Indiana residents an opportunity to stand with domestic violence survivors and honor a child whose memory now drives meaningful change. Whether through donations, attendance, or spreading awareness, community members can help ensure that Aubree Zent’s legacy continues to protect vulnerable families across Indiana.
Share your thoughts on how communities can better support domestic violence prevention in the comments below. Together we can create safer environments for families throughout our neighborhoods.
