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Carlie Brucia Obituary
BRIAN HAAS
Herald Staff Writer
SARASOTA - Every morning, Eva Boubin passes by the car wash where Carlie Brucia was abducted a year ago Tuesday.
It was there that the 11-year-old girl was snatched from her family and the Sarasota community forever.
Tuesday morning, Boubin and dozens of others visited another site tragically connected to Carlie's short life.
Several miles east of the car wash is the Central Church of Christ, the spot where Carlie's body was found Feb. 6, 2004. She had been kidnapped, raped and strangled to death and dumped in a wooded area near the church.
This week, strangers and those who knew Carlie have stopped at that spot, now transformed into the Garden of Joy and Prayer Walk.
"It was a steady stream of people out there all day long that left flowers," said Rod Myers, the church pastor. "Most of them were just community people."
Boubin was one of the many who left behind flowers and prayers.
"I wanted to remember her," Boubin said. "It is a constant memory, it is very hard, for every day I think about her."
Myers said many - even those who never knew Carlie - feel the same way.
"Some are just curious to see where she was found. Others come out there as a show of respect," Myers said. "And some use the garden as a place of prayer."
Carlie's memory also lives on through education. Myers and several organizations plan to hold a Kids' Safety Rally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the church at 6221 Proctor Road.
Saturday's free rally will include activities, programs and education for children's safety. The Escape School will have abduction prevention training and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office will have a self-defense demonstration and fingerprinting.
The gift the church hopes to give the community in Carlie's honor is to prevent another abduction, Myers said.
"That's really what we feel like is our lasting tribute, is to have a way of providing something to the community that's proactive," Myers said. "We certainly don't want this to happen again."
Joseph P. Smith, 38, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, kidnapping and capital sexual battery in connection with Carlie's death. He is scheduled to stand trial on those charges in November.
Grant Jefferies, Herald photographer, contributed to this report.
Brian Haas, criminal justice reporter, can be reached at 748-0411, ext. 7024, or at [email protected].
Share your thoughts and feelings about Carlie Brucia, her abduction and the following year in our online guestbook. Also online, you will find a photo memorial to Carlie, along with a timeline and links to background articles on the tragedy.
Memories and Condolences
for Carlie Brucia
1867 Entries
Theresa Shouse
June 15, 2022
I think of you often!
Debbie Swanson
June 14, 2022
Never Forgotten
Jeannette Ortega
June 12, 2022
20 years gone and forever 11, you beautiful little baby doll, I hope you continue to rest peacefully knowing how much you meant to so many.
Paolo
June 12, 2022
20 years are gone, lots of changes here, today i'll give a kiss to my daughter and we will always remember you Carlie,
Angel
June 10, 2022
Happy summer, rest in paradise beautiful.
Susan K Smith
March 16, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mary Lemons
March 19, 2017
Happy birthday in heaven Carlie.... You'll always be remembered...
Ginny
March 17, 2017
Carlie, I didn't know you but you are always in my thoughts. Happy Birthday sweet girl<3 You are another angel flying high and smiling down on your family and friends. Those who knew you and loved you so much<3
Sheila Ward
March 16, 2017
Thinking of you, Carlie, on your birthday. You were such a sweet girl. I wish I had known you.
connie ventrudo
February 5, 2017
I'm always thinking about you my sweet girl. Continued love and prayers to all of your family and friends.
Ginny
February 4, 2017
I didn't know you but I never will forget about you. I continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. You are forever in my heart. You are an angel and smiling down on those who love and miss you<3
paolo
February 3, 2017
Hi angel, we will always remember you
David Nelson
February 1, 2017
Carlie, this year, I am making myself visit here on time. I really don't know what to say that I haven't said before. Grief is supposed to get easier, but I'm just not sure about that anymore. There is much I don't understand, and I have more questions than answers. But the one constant is, 13 years later, I still grieve for you. I know you must be happy where you are, and at least that brings some comfort. I continue to pray for your entire family on this most difficult of days. Keep soaring with the angels. We still love you and miss you, princess.
David Nelson
March 3, 2016
If at no other time, This time of year brings many of us right back here, Carlie. I find myself leaving this the month after yet again - that day is still just too emotionally difficult. But as I and many others have posted many times, it doesn't mean you aren't in our thoughts and our hearts the rest of the time. You are. And I know Heaven is still celebrating your presence. Continue soaring with the angels, princess. We still miss you and love you. And happy (early) birthday!
Debbie Bates-Norgren
February 20, 2016
Never forgotten beautiful Angel!!
Ruthie Cross
February 19, 2016
Still remember you Carlie. You touched many hearts. You will never be forgotten.
Tess V
February 4, 2016
In loving memory of Carlie
Tess V
February 4, 2016
Carlie, you are always in my thoughts, especially during this week. Fly high with the angels, beautiful, precious girl
mary lemons
February 2, 2016
Carlie, I know it's been awhile since I have been on here but you're always in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. sweet angel.
Sheila Ward
February 2, 2016
Thinking of you, Carlie. I wish things had been different. I hope your little brother Leif is doing well.
January 31, 2016
Carlie Brucia March 16th 1992 - Feb 1st 2004
goodbye angel
November 13, 2015
we are here Carlie!
paolo
May 7, 2015
so sorry dear Carlie, you forever young. ciao
March 26, 2014
Charlie, I know your family misses you a lot. You are in my thoughts. You will not be forgotten.
David Nelson
March 18, 2014
Carlie, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday in Heaven. It's hard to believe you would have been 22 years old just 2 days ago. For obvious reasons, you were very strong on my mind at the start of last month. I just couldn't bring myself to post anything on that day. It is amazing that it has been 10 years and it STILL hurts like hell. But though my postings are infrequent, you have never been, and never will be, forgotten. And though we still miss you so very much, your legacy remains alive and well. Enjoy your b'day in Heaven, angel.
mary lemons
March 12, 2014
Carlie, always thinking of you. You will always be remembered.
Kim Sanchez
March 9, 2014
Carlie, I never met you, but you have never been far from my thoughts...
God bless you angel?
Claire Schutz
February 8, 2014
We will never forget you & your smile-
Our love to you, Carlie. God Bless you.
Claire, Donnie, Klarisa & Matthew
Sheila Ward
February 3, 2014
Thinking of you, Carlie.
Tess
February 2, 2014
I still cry for you. You will forever be in our hearts, precious angel.
February 1, 2014
My dearest cousin, I cannot believe it has been 10 years. I know you are with Grandma watching over all of us. You are missed everyday. I love you and miss you Angel!
XOXO
Your Cousin Noelle
Jim Button
February 1, 2014
We will always remember.
Alec
February 1, 2014
It's been ten years to the day. I remember being eight years old and hearing about Carlie. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful girl. Rest assured she will be in my thoughts.
Hunter Thompson
November 10, 2013
This past Friday I was happy to renew your garden and bring it back to a level that honors your memory and life.
November 4, 2013
sweet Carlie, so long time ago.....such a tragic day, you are a flower in the heaven that will never fade down.
Nancy Amans
September 10, 2013
Kurt is with you now...R.I.P..
Connie Ventrudo
August 12, 2013
Always thinking about you my angel
Debbie Phillips
August 11, 2013
Thinking of you today Carlie as I often do. You will always be missed and never forgotten. RIP sweet angel.
February 4, 2013
amen
Debbie Bates
February 2, 2013
I still can't believe it's been 9 years. I still think of you so often and continue to pray for your family. Rest in beautiful peace Angel.
February 1, 2013
Thinking of you today Carlie! You are forever in our hearts. I blow you a kiss each time I pass your Butterfly garden and never forget.....xo
Sheila Ward
February 1, 2013
Thinking of you today, Carlie. Hoping your family is well, especially your little brother.
Rich
December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas in Heaven, Carlie!
Paolo T.
December 23, 2012
Hi Dear Carlie, time goes by for us but, you'll be young forever, next to the Lord. please, send to us, as well as every sad family a warm hug as a relief to the sorrow. take care honey
Connie Ventrudo
December 21, 2012
With the holiday season upon us I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas in heaven.. don't know where the time has gone!I was then an 8th grader @ mms & am now a wife & mom! Miss you dearly & am always thinking about you!
mary lemons
December 20, 2012
Carlie, always thinking of you. There are alot of new angels for you to watch over take care of them. merry christmas!
Donna Gundersen
December 18, 2012
Merry Christmas in Heaven Carlie. We love and miss you very much. Say hi to grandma and Grandpa for us. Uncle Pete & Aunt Donna
Elke Leinwand
December 17, 2012
It's comforting to see that you still reside in the memories of so many who have never met you, myself included. I know you are at peace now but I often wonder about your Mom.... Hope she regained herself and was able to move on. Sending hugs and positive vibes her way.
paolo
November 5, 2012
Carlie Brucia, you have never been forgot. can't belevie what happened to you, so sorry. our sorrow and minds is something of you that's still live inside our souls.
phil buckley
November 2, 2012
Hey Carlie ur still deep in my thoughts rip swwet angel
"You're in our hearts Carlie"
Lisa Ledwith
November 2, 2012
Carlie, If you could see us now.. you'd see how much we miss you, will always miss you. You'd see how we've gone on, but not without you tucked deep within our hearts. You'd see this crazy wolrd turning, but it has your mark engraved upon it. But most of all you'd see, you are not forgotten honey and you never will be. We miss you, we miss "every single thing about YOU!" Sending hugs to you in heaven, Lisa Ledwith
shonda selman
November 1, 2012
Your missed and loved and will never be forgotten!!!!!
Lisa Ledwith
June 1, 2012
Flowers are blooming here now, because our Angel is singing in heaven Carlie! Thank you, every time I look around and I see God's precious gifts my mind and heart drifts straight back to you precious girl... love and warm hugs, Lisa
April 10, 2012
Hi Carlie. It's been awhile but always thinking of you. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! R.I.P.
Gerard Shea
April 5, 2012
Hi Carlie. Sorry I missed your 20th birthday. I never knew you but your story has captured my heart from the very first time I heard it, even here on the other side of the world. I grieve so much for you and I can't imagine how much your family and friends must have grieved and still be grieving at your loss. From what I have read I am sure the world lost someone special and beautiful that day. I wish I could have been there to stop what happened on that day. So much to say and so much love and sympathy to express. May you be resting in peace and in the light of God's love. I will visit your memorials one day.
Nicole Cureton
March 31, 2012
Thinking of you. I am so happy to know that you are now in the arms of Jesus and nothing can hurt you ever again! You are loved and missed by so many....
March 20, 2012
Happy Birthday Carlie. We love you and miss you like crazy.
Love Aunt Donna & Uncle Pete
paolo
March 19, 2012
HI Carlie, time goes by but your eyes they forever will talk to us, so sorry for you, everybody are missing you down here.
Lisa Ledwith
March 17, 2012
Happy Birthday Darling Girl. 9 years later you're still missed as much as every!!! I saw your dad yesterday, he loves you more than anything... We all miss you honey. Keep watching over us Carlie... I love you, Lisa
Rich
March 16, 2012
Happy 20th birthday Carlie! Never forgetting you down here!
August 14, 2011
It's been awhile Carlie but still thinking of you. You will never be forgotten. I hope one day to come and visit your memorials.
tim
August 13, 2011
Got your ice cream. Mint chocolate chip. See you soon
jennifer Weiffenbach
June 13, 2011
Peace be with your soul, and with your friends and family!
David Nelson
June 3, 2011
Hello, Princess. I still think about you so much, and I had to come here to say hi. We miss you every day, Carlie. All the time that has passed, and I still find myself grieving for you. I read entries like the one from Carla and others that friends and family have left over the years, and I wonder - if I feel this way, their grief, sadness and feeling of loss must be tenfold. I just can't even imagine it. But...I know that YOU are doing well, and that does make me smile through the tears. "One Sweet Day" young lady, I know your friends and family will see you again in a great reunion. And I still hope I can say hi and get my Carlie hug, too. We love you, Carlie.
Claire
March 30, 2011
Hi,Carlie
Another year, Yes, has come & gone. As,others have said. My, my- All the children are all growing up & I can only begin to JUST Imagine how you would have looked now if you were here with us. You would be just Beautiful like you always were & smiling & laughing.
Matthew, Klarisa & Donny are so grown up. Me- I'm Blessed - even when I miss you, I still find that my heart is full of memories & love for you & your family and having the opportunity to know you. Sure, so many of us mourn for those times with you, filled with sadness, but I am sure not like your family feels for their loss, so I'd like to send my love out to all of you, God Bless each of you.....
We love you, Carlie. Always. Sincerely,
Claire, Donny, Klarisa & Matthew
The Lord's Peace & love Always
Katie
March 27, 2011
Carlie, you are not forgotten. Justice cannot bring you back but knowing you are looking over the rest of us with precious girls to raise like you help. Peace beautiful girl. Katie
James Lagoski Jr
March 27, 2011
Never knew her, but ALL humans should be able to live in peace and not have this be their fate. May your memory live on and may the scars of this incident heal on the minds on friends and family.
David Derrick
March 27, 2011
Gods Speed Carlie!
James Lagoski
March 27, 2011
Hi My Friend-
Well another year has came and went. I've kept my promise to You and try everyday to make sure anyone who will listen hears your story. You and Me are going to make a difference for others. I finally got Wikipedia to accept your Poem on it's profile page of you. Next I am going to Push them to put your precious image on it also. We will not lose this war- You Have My Word on That just as I promised you over 7 years ago. No My Friend, You and Me are in a battle that I will fight until I can no longer take a breath. Best Wishes to You My Friend.
Jimmy
Carla Carrasco
February 10, 2011
Dear carlie, 7 years have passed, and I still miss you dearly :/ I cherish the memories we shared together, every once in awhile I start thinking, and I tear up, as I watched our friends grow, &we all went through our different stages in life, I can't help but think of all the things & memories that were stolen from you. As we had our senior prom, as we walked in our caps and gowns during high school graduation I prayed that you were watching over us& joined us. &now college.. I still think of you, and even though I get sad wishing you could've been here, I know you are much happier in heaven as an angel of God, watching over all of us. I love you and miss you dearly, you are to be forever remembered in our hearts.
Debbie Bates
February 7, 2011
Sweet Sweet Carlie, 7 years later and you are still in my mind and heart. You touch my life without ever meeting me and I will NEVER forget you.
Lisa Ledwith
February 6, 2011
Teen Angel,
Man time is flying by, in some ways, other's not so much. I know you're okay where you're at, we all know that. But you are missed so much by so many. Sometimes I wish I could talk to your dad and brother, just to let them know I care. I keep you in my prayers darling girl and I always will. Very soon you would be turning 19, and I sit and wonder what you'd be doing with your life. I drive by that old house all the time, no more news trucks, sheet, peopl nor tons of stuffed animals and flowers, just a house. I get sad when I go back to that horrible time, so many other's have followed you honey. I am just glad I believe in God because that way I can bare all of this even all this years later. I hope you CAN see how very much you are loved and missed by so many people. Keep an eye on us too honey and I know your happy ... God's blessing darling Carlie.
143 always, Lisa
David Nelson
February 3, 2011
Hello, Princess. James and Jeannette are correct - you are not forgotten, and you never will be. I thought of you at Christmas and wondered what you and the rest of the angels were doing on that wonderful day. And I thought of you again on New Years Day, silently wishing you another wonderful year in the place you are now. And you have crossed my mind plenty of other times, too, since my last entry here. You are loved by many of us, young lady. THAT will never change or fade.
Jeannette Ortega
February 2, 2011
Little baby girl, you will never be forgotten.
Rich
February 2, 2011
Thinking of you Carlie!
James Lagoski
February 1, 2011
Carlie, I wanted to stop in here and say YOU are not forgotten. I am trying to make sure as many people as I can will watch your video and be thinking of you.
May the message you left this world with be understood someday and man finally views this side of itself.
Peace~
James
TRACY GROAT
October 19, 2010
I have just read your story Carlie and my heart broke, you were such a beautiful little girl and I am so sorry this terrible thing happened to you. You are in God's loving care now sweetheart, I will think of you always, I love you, Tracy xxx
paolo
October 4, 2010
Hi Carlie, we love you
Shelly Glass
October 1, 2010
WE THOUGHT OF YOU WITH LOVE TODAY BUT THAT IS NOTHING NE WE THOUGHT ABOUT YOU YESTERDAY AND THE DAYS BEFORE THAT TOO WE THINK OF YOU SILENCE WE OFTEN SPEAK YOUR NAME NOW ALL WE HAVE IS MEMORIES AND YOUR PICTURE IN A FRAME YOUR MEMORY IS OUR KEEPSAKE WITH WITCH WE'LL NEVER PART GOD HAS YOU IN HIS KEEPING WE HAVE YOU IN OUR HEARTS!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE YOU CARLIE AND I MISS YOU SOO MUCH I WISH YOU COULD BE HERE TAKE CARE OF MY DADDY TELL HIM WE LOVE AND MISS HIM TOO!!!!!
Dan Cohen
August 15, 2010
Hi Carlie, although I have not written in a while, I think of you all the time and will always love you.
Paolo Tofani
July 31, 2010
Hi Carlie. it's so lovely to remember your life. lucky them who has known and loved you. take care Carlie, our minds are with you. we lives here in the earth as we stay with you in the heaven. forever you, dear Carlie Brucia
David Nelson
July 30, 2010
Hello, Princess. You have been weighing heavy on my mind the last few days. Though I'm not usually one to write a lot and haven't posted anything here for a very long time, I have always come here often to read the entries. I'm not sure why you have been on my mind so intense lately, but I just can't seem to stop the tears right now. It has always amazed me how you could leave such an impression on me - someone you never knew or met. But in reading so much from everyone here down through the years, I am far from the only one affected in such a way. You are truly a special young lady.
Anyway - I just wanted to say that I know you are having a wonderful time as Heaven's most beautiful angel, and that we still miss you and love you more than words could possibly express. I still want that Carlie hug one day. And I promise - I will no longer be a stranger to posting here.
Thinking of you as always....
Rich
March 16, 2010
Dear Carlie,
Today you would have been 18 years old. Happy Birthday in Heaven, sweetie! Thinking of you...
mary lemons
March 16, 2010
Dear Carlie, It's been awhile but you have not been forgotten. Happy Birthday. I bet your a beautiful birthday angel. I will always keep you in my prayers.
Ava D
March 3, 2010
Dear Carlie,
I will not forget the day I learned of your name and the trategy that occured. My little daughter was born 2 days later and you, Carlie, have been etched in my heart Forever from that day in 2004 -
Rest in Peace Angel Carlie
March 2, 2010
Carlie,
It seems so long since we have seen your beautiful smile.This world today is filled with so many people hurting in one way or another & so much has happened & changed since you've gone with the Lord. I know our lives have changed so very much. Both Mark & I have been saved & are in a much better place now and owe it all to God & his loving grace, because we couldn't have done it by ourselves. The Lord is awesome.We miss you.There have been so many times the family & I have thought about you & your family, especially Klarisa thinks about you & Leif. We love you & always will.May our Lord shine his light upon you & continue to hold you in his wings of grace now & always.
We love you so very much, Carlie.
Mark&Claire,Donald,Klarisa&Matthew
God bless.
MAR (CODY'S MOM) JOHNSON
February 4, 2010
HEY DARLIN' SORRY I MISSED YOUR ANNIVERSARY..I WAS THINKING ABOUT YOU I JUST DIDN'T GET AROUND A PC TIL NOW.. XO SWEET ANGEL..TTYS..
paolo
February 4, 2010
we live the life but a bit of us is died with you ...
Theresa Shouse
February 4, 2010
You are not forgotten! Love and prayers!
Debbie Bates
February 2, 2010
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS!!!
Rich
February 1, 2010
Thinking of you today, Carlie... Hard to believe it's been 6 years. Love and prayers, angel!
Barbara McMenamin
February 1, 2010
Carlie,
I just cannot believe that 6 yrs have past so fast. I feel like it was just yesterday that you & Ashley were painting her room. You should have been finishing High School,looking for a Prom dress and enjoying friends & family.I am sure this is a very hard time for your Father & Leif.We think about you all the time & Miss you a bunch!
??? ??Hugs to your family & friends?????
Love ya Barbara & Ashley
Debbie
February 1, 2010
Just thinking of you, Carlie!
Tina
February 1, 2010
Still remembering you - always just a thought away - who would you be today....
Rich
November 27, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving, Carlie! Always in our hearts...
Debbie Bates
November 26, 2009
You will never be forgotten beautiful Carlie.
mary lemons
November 26, 2009
Carlie, Been awhile since I said hi but you are never forgotten. You have a happy thanksgiving with all the other angels. You and your family are alwys in my prayers.
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