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Sandy Hook victim’s mom talks about why she made video: ‘Evil did not win’

Posted at 10:29 PM, Dec 09, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-10 00:46:45-05

SALT LAKE CITY -- Emilie Parker was one of 20 students and six teachers shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School last December in Newtown, Conn. She was 6 years old.

Emilie was born in Utah. Her family moved to Connecticut for a job opportunity. Her memorial service and burial took place in Ogden.

Her mother Alissa recently worked with Shadow Mountain Productions to create a video titled "Sandy Hook: Evil Did Not Win."

The moving four-minute piece includes video of Emilie playing at home and highlights her personality.

The video also touches on tragedy, as Alissa describes receiving a box from police, containing the clothes Emilie was wearing the day of the shooting.

In a telephone interview from her home, Alissa Parker told Fox 13 News, "In order to understand how high you've gone, you have to know how low you've been."

The video also credits faith, prayers and the kindness of strangers for helping the Parker's through the tragedy.

The video also mentions how the money collected in The Emilie Parker Fund has benefited others.

Several fundraisers took place in Utah including a silent auction at Ben Lomond High School, where Emilie's parents went to school, and an event where baseball players donned pink shirts as the Ogden Raptors honored her memory.

Alissa Parker said she hopes others will find inspiration and meaning in Emilie's story, adding "When I watch it, I feel close to her. I can feel her presence."