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Shaniya Davis father Bradley Lockhart appeared on the Nancy Grace show last night. He spoke about his life since Shaniya’s horrific death and answered several questions from Nancy. He stated that he is not sure what part of the grieving stage he is in. He also expressed feeling at times as if the entire situation was unreal.

He stated that since Shaniya’s murder, he feels as if he is called to focus on human trafficking and help other children who are victimized through the same crime. It was heartbreaking to watch, and it was apparent that Nancy Grace was close to tears. She commented on how those involved with the case and searched for Shaniya Davis desperately hoped that they would find her alive. She mentioned how grief counselors were called to help those who searched for and found Shaniya’s body.

Shaniya Davis was kidnapped from her home on November 10, 2009. Her body was found six days later. Mario McNeill has been charged with kidnapping, rape, and murder. Shaniya’s mother, Antoinette Davis has been charged with trafficking her daughter for the purpose of sexual servitude. It is not yet known whether murder charges will be added to Shaniya Davis’ mother’s list of crimes.

Shaniya Davis’ funeral was aired live and was an emotionally heart wrenching service. Viewers tuned in worldwide and said good-bye to the beautiful little girl who was gone too soon.

Shaniya Davis investigation causes state of North Carolina to review DSS contact with Antoinette Davis

The Shaniya Davis investigation focuses on contact that DSS had with the slain girl’s family. The little five-year-old went missing from her Fayetteville, North Carolina home on November 10, 2009. Her body was discovered in a wooded area on November 16, 2009. Shaniya Davis had been raped and asphyxiated and Mario McNeill has been charged with her kidnapping, rape, and murder. However, her mother, Antoinette Davis faces charges that she sold her daughter into prostitution. Now, DSS wants to see how they missed signs that Antoinette Davis was an unfit mother.

According to reports, DSs had previously investigated Antoinette Davis regarding her care for her seven year old son. The case was closed and Antoinette was allowed to keep custody of her son. Though DSS officials refuse to comment publicly on the case as it is an ongoing criminal investigation, they have stated that are going to review all DSS contact with Antoinette Davis and will provide those results to the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force. The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force documents child deaths in the state of Florida then makes appropriate recommendations based upon the findings. The information is used to create laws that help protect children.

Though Mario McNeill has been arrested and charged, as well as Shaniya Davis’ mother Antoinette Davis, the investigation continues and authorities continue to follow up on leads in the case. The case will be prosecuted through Cumberland County, North Carolina and authorities are working to ensure that they leave no stone unturned.

Shaniya Davis’ father is scheduled to have a one on one interview with HLN’s Nancy Grace on Monday, November 30, 2009.

The father of Shaniya Davis, Bradley Lockhart was on the Today show and spoke with Meredith Viera. You can see the video in the player below. During the interview, Meredith Viera asked Bradley Lockhart if he noticed any signs in retrospect that would have alerted him to the danger Shaniya Davis was in by staying with her mother. He said that he couldn’t recall any red flags or other indicators that would have shown what grave danger Shaniya Davis was in.

Meredith Viera also asked about Carey Lockhart-Davis impressions regarding Antoinette Davis and whether she had shared her concerns with Bradley. Carey Lockhart-Davis has spoken with the media and stated that she did not feel comfortable with Shaniya moving in with her mother. Bradley Lockhart said that Carey had not shared those concerns with him.

Shaniya Davis was kidnapped on November 10, 2009. Investigators believe that she was raped and murdered the same day, by Mario McNeill. Mario McNeill faces first degree kidnapping, first degree rape of a child, and first degree murder charges. If convicted he faces the death penalty. Mario McNeill is expected to make his next court appearance within a few weeks. Shaniya Davis’ mother, Antoinette Davis remains in jail on human trafficking, child abuse involving prostitution, and filing a false police report charges. There is still a possibility that Antoinette Davis may face additional charges as the investigation continues.

Shaniya Davis was laid to rest on November 22, 2009. You may watch the full video of her funeral service here.

Shaniya Davis Funeral

Shaniya Davis Funeral video, photos

Click here to Watch the Shaniya Davis Funeral (full video)

Yesterday, at 3:00 p.m. ET, in a Fayetteville, North Carolina church, Manna Church, the world said goodbye to Shaniya Davis. The five year old girl touched the heart of the nation as her story of betrayal by her mother led to her horrific abuse and death. The Shaniya Davis funeral was open to the public and was standing room only. Streaming live on the Internet, many were able to share their grief and sorrow by paying their final respects to this beautiful angel.

As mourners filled the church, a photo display of Shaniya Davis was streamed on the overhead projector. Never before released photos of Shaniya were displayed. These photos showed Shaniya with her father, Bradley Lockhart and her siblings. As the photos were shown, mourners could be seen attending to Bradley Lockhart and offering their sympathies.

Opening with a song, the Shaniya Davis funeral focused greatly on dependence upon Jesus Christ throughout the difficult time that Shaniya’s family and community face. The service was also a call to action for the community as well. Bradley Lockhart spoke directly to the nation and challenged those viewing to get involved with their communities. He referred to those who have addictions and problems that they cannot overcome and requested that people get involved in assisting those to find the help they need. By doing so, the world would be a safer place and tragedies like Shaniya’s wouldn’t happen again.

The Biblical passage focused upon throughout the service was 2 Corinthians chapter 5. The passage focuses on the body being a temporary dwelling-our earthly tent. Much talk was given to the glorious reunion that would one day occur between Shaniya Davis and her family, as well as all believers in the faith. Prayer was offered for forgiveness, and for strength and comfort to help Shaniya’s family through this tragic and overwhelmingly difficult time.