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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, March 2, 2010

March scheduled Wednesday for 5-year-old girl allegedly killed by uncle


Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Kaiya Kapahu, left, and her twin sister Maile.

Photo courtesy of Manuel Kapahu

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A vigil and silent march is scheduled Wednesday for 5-year-old Kaiya Kapahu, a special needs child from Hawaii who died in Arizona last month while in the care of her uncle.

Kapahu had Rett syndrome, a developmental disorder that left her unable to speak or perform basic motor skills, and required constant care.
Phoenix police say her uncle, Leonard Orta Jr., deprived her of food and medication and concealed her body in his apartment for at least a month after she died. Orta has been charged with first-degree murder, child abuse and concealment of a body.
Wednesday's vigil and march begins at 5:30 p.m. at the rotunda of the state Capitol.