Bill introduced for Virginia teen found slain behind Charlotte church

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ashanti Billie’s family is helping push for a change.

Several months after the Virginia teenager’s body was found behind at East Stonewall AME Zion church in Charlotte, a congressman introduced a bill to establish a nationwide “Ashanti Alert,” which is similar to an “Amber Alert,” but for adults who are missing and may be in danger.

Ashanti was found dead behind the church in September, 11 days after she disappeared.

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Her family came to Charlotte this weekend for the first time since she was found.

The church held an emotional service as the pastor and Charlotte Mecklenburg police Chief Kerr Putney stood alongside Ashanti’s parents.

"I felt the presence of my daughter, so to know, coming here was not a mistake,” father Meltony Billie said. “It was what was needed, what she wanted."

Her parents planted a tree in their daughter's memory.

"It's a piece of her that's still here because no matter what, a piece of her will always be here,” mother Brandy Billie said.

The “Ashanti Alert Act” has bipartisan support.

Ashanti’s parents thanked the community for honoring their daughter, and asked the congregation at the church to pray for all young people.

Cox Media Group