Candlelight vigil for Margaret Nunn, Fayette County girl who died after alleged child abuse

MENALLEN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) – A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night for a 2-year-old girl who died last week after allegedly child abuse.

Dozens of people gathered at the Village of Searights playground in Menallen Township to remember the life of 2-year-old Margaret Nunn.

Police say Margaret Nunn was repeatedly molested by Emmanuel Dennis, her mother’s fiancé. He was arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault.

Nunn’s death came as a shock to community members who say it unfortunately can happen to anyone.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize that something like this can happen anywhere but in this area and where we live,” Aimee Tolnai said. “But many people judge based on housing conditions. But it happens everywhere.”

Margaret’s mother, Celia Nunn, was also charged. Police say she admitted she knew her daughter was being molested but did nothing to stop it.

According to Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele, Nunn’s preliminary autopsy indicates she suffered severe abuse over several days. Investigators say Dennis admitted that the day before she died, he kicked the baby down the hall leading to her bedroom.

“The Commonwealth of Nations does indeed intend to seek the death penalty,” Aubele said. “We will present aggravating circumstances to both defendants.”

Both suspects are being held in the Fayette County Jail and preliminary hearings are scheduled for early November.