New tradition takes flight in honor of Genna Ayup
Reporter: Marcelino Benito
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Genna Ayup died at the hands of her boyfriend and her family says justice isn't served. Tuesday night, on the 8th month anniversary of her death, they start a new tradition in their never-ending search answers.
"It's just a horrible day for all of us," said Heather Picard. "I miss her a lot."
The pain especially profound when the 26th rolls around every month. The last day of the month Genna lived to see. The day of the month on which she took her last breath. Genna's sisters plan to commemorate that day by releasing balloons in her honor.
"I'm going to do it every month to keep it fresh in the public's eye," said Picard.
Tuesday night, eight balloons carried away by the wind, one for each month they've waited for justice, one for each month Genna's been gone.
"It's a void that's never going to be filled," said Sarah Ayup, Genna's sister.
That sisterly bond broken by a single bullet to the head. Her boyfriend Ronald Corbin Jr. claimed responsibility, but said this was a tragic accident. No charges ever filed, and that makes the loss that much harder to bear.
"Does it get easier month to month?" asked 9OYS reporter Marcelino Benito. Ayup replied, "No, it doesn't. You can't explain the loss of a sister. But we will never give up."
So as eight months turn to nine and nine turn to 10, more balloons will take flight to remind the public and to remind Genna that no one's forgotten.
"For as long as it takes, I don't care if I have to come here with thousands of balloons for every month until she has justice," said Picard.
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