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Ginny was brutally murdered June 23, 1969, at age 13. Her death horrified her classmates, friends & family.
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April 8, 1971, Ocala Star Banner - Ocala, Florida:
UPDATE:
Ginny's killer died on May 21, 1997 at the age of 52. I assume he died in prison. He is buried in Riverside National Cemetery. He was a Vietnam vet and served in the army, Nov 1964 - Nov 1967. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1178031/leon-w-short
I hope he's burning in hell.
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Betsy Jane Barnes (Bishop) (1973)
I had an art class with Ginny at La Puerta and lived in the same general neighborhood. Even though she was very popular and I was not, she was always very nice to me. Small kindnesses are important to everyone, but especially to a plain Jane 12 year old. Ginny's memory will always live inside me.
Sandy Debelak (Hughes) (1973)
I think of Ginny almost every day because of the person she was, and the impact of her death has made me a better person. I remember what she wrote in my yearbook from La Puerta. It said: she will be watching me, and hope we become friends. Every time I hear the song, I believe the Youngbloods, come on peope now smile on your brother everybody get together try to love one another right now. I think of Ginny and try to perpectuate that love. I know she's there helping me, because I feel it every day. Thank you Ginny!! I am a better person for knowing you. Love, Sandy
John Lessley (1970)
Ginny was always such a good hearted person and she was so popular because she was very good to her friends, beside being beautiful inside and out. We STILL remember her and what a tragic loss that was back in 1969. And now we try to focus on the good things in her memory rather than how horrible it was to lose her. All her friends still remember what an amazing person she was and what she could have become given a normal life span. All four of the Smith sisters were amazing friends to many of us in Claremont.
Kristin Festag (Carson) (1973)
Ginny lives on in my memory as well. I never hear the Youngbloods song without thinking of her, even 56 years later! My sister just sent me a photo of a protest sign a friend made for a rally in Sacramento this weekend. The reference to the song immediately brought Ginny to mind. The power of a great song in action.
Full disclosure ... this isn't exactly what the sign said. I chose to edit the sentiment so as not to offend anyone who disagrees with this person's (and my) politics - and because working together to try to love one another is never a bad goal no matter where you are on the political spectrum. You are not forgotten, Ginny.