Vigil planned for Gloucester City girl

GLOUCESTER CITY - Two vigils Friday will mark the short life of a girl allegedly slain by her mother's boyfriend.

People will gather at 8 p.m. in Gloucester City and at 8:30 p.m. in Barnegat to remember Ariana Smyth, a Gloucester City toddler who died July 5 of injuries from an alleged assault. The child would have celebrated her second birthday on Friday.

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A 22-year-old Manahawkin man, Michael Disporto Jr., is charged with Ariana's murder and aggravated sexual assault, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. He is being held on $1.5 million bail.

The girl's mother, 26-year-old Amber Bobo, is being held on a charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

More: Man charged with toddler's slaying

Authorities contend Bobo says she noticed injuries to her daughter's head around 9 a.m. Sunday and saw signs of sexual abuse about two hours later. However, the mother did not seek medical help for the girl until about 6 p.m., and Ariana was "completely unresponsive" when EMTs arrived at her house on the 100 block of South King Street.

The couple, who were together throughout Sunday, had been in a relationship for about two weeks, according to a court document.

The Gloucester City candlelight vigil will be held in Proprietors Park on the waterfront, a short distance from the girl's home.

"The family had a Frozen birthday party planned for her," organizers said at a Facebook page, Candlelight Vigil for Ariana. "Let's show some support and wear something blue or a Frozen-themed shirt."

The Ocean County event, to include a lantern launch, will take place at Barnegat Docks.

Jim Walsh; (856) 486-2646; jwalsh@gannettnj.com