An impromptu memorial grew Saturday as community members placed remembrances on the roadside spot where eight-year-old Eryka Phillips was killed Thursday. Drivers on the busy four-lane Smokey Park Highway slowed to look at the collection of teddy bears, balloons and written messages.
According to a press release from the Asheville Police Department, a 27 year old Candler man is being held without bond after he was charged with first degree murder in the child’s death. Harry Smith Kimmons, III, of Lacy Lee Lane, allegedly hit Phillips and her mother, Jessica Simpson, with his car. Simpson is being treated at Mission Hospital.
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