Family and friends gather in Pacific Grove for 25th anniversary of Polly Klaas’ murder

A young Petaluma girl is being remembered on the Central Coast…25 years after her kidnapping and murder.

To some, this is just a bench in passing on a walk through pacific grove.

But to others, it’s both a grim reminder and sweet memory of Polly Klaas.

October 1st 1993, 12-year-old Polly was having a sleepover with friends at her mom’s Petaluma home when she was kidnapped and murdered by an intruder.

And 25 years later, a group of her friends and family met at her dedicated bench on the Central Coast.

“She spent a lot of time here, it was her favorite place in the world, i mean that on top of everything else. She used to love to come down and visit both sets of her grandparents,” says Polly’s father Marc Klaas.

Polly’s ashes were scattered in the Monterey Bay and as Marc’s parents passed away, the same was done with their ashes.

Marc says he is using this anniversary to shed light on flaws in the criminal justice system that allow kids like Polly to be kidnapped and turned into victims.

In 1994 he started the Polly Klaas Foundation, dedicated to recovering missing children and putting public policies in place.

“We got involved in things like the 3 strikes and you’re out law, President Clinton’s crime bill that put 100,000 cops on the street, Megan’s law, amber alerts, various child safety legislation.”

While losing a child is something no parent should ever deal with, the support from other parents is overwhelming.

Another area mother whose daughter’s murder shook the community came out to show her support.

Marlene LaMar, mother of murdered teen Sierra LaMar.

“It’s a horrific day when your child is abducted. It never gets any easier, but having people be present today and support Marc and commemorate her memory does help,” says LaMar.

It’s very clear Polly’s memory remains not only here on the central coast, but across the nation.

Her family and friends continue to create meaning out of tragedy. More than anything Marc hopes those who hear Polly’s story will take away one thing.

“Just a little love, that’s all. Jus a little love. Nothing more.”

For more information on the Polly Klaas Foundation, click here.