Civic leaders hope to raise money for Precious Doe park

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Civic leaders have announced plans to raise money for a new city park in memory of Erica Green, the child who was known as Precious Doe until her identity was discovered last year.

The park would cover about five acres on the city's east side, including the site where Erica's decapitated body was discovered in 2001.

"This will be a memorial to all of our young people who have been victimized, terrorized and abused," said Kansas City Councilman Alvin Brooks. Police Sgt. David Bernard said the park would be a reminder that the public helped keep the unsolved case alive for four years.

Three-year-old Erica allegedly was kicked in the head and decapitated in April 2001. Her body and head were discovered separately in the woods. The Kansas City community named her Precious Doe until her identity was discovered a year ago.

Harrell Johnson of Muskogee, Okla., is charged with the murder. Erica's mother, Michelle Johnson, also of Muskogee, Okla., is charged with felony second-degree murder and child endangerment for not seeking aid for her dying daughter.

Attorney Tim Dollar, who is prosecuting the case, suggested establishing a nonprofit organization to raise money for a lasting memorial to Erica, Brooks said. The group is called the Precious Doe Committee.