In late April, four-year-old Maleah Davis was allegedly kidnapped and killed by her mother's partner Derion Vence. As the investigation into the tragedy continues, the young girl will be memorialized with a sculpture baring her likeness in Houston, where she lived.

CNN reports Saturday that Houston-area artist Shirley Scarpetta decided to pay tribute to the little girl as a mom who was distraught upon hearing Maleah's fate.

"It's just something that touched my soul," she told the news outlet. "…It was something I couldn't get it out of my mind."

Scarpetta says Maleah's tragic demise was a catalyst behind the reason why she wanted to honor her, since the bust represents all children who have passed away too soon.

"It's for all of us," she said to CNN. "Our children are so vulnerable, and people need to be reminded to leave a legacy of kindness and loving one another."

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Within the last three days, my life has transformed by the outpouring of love and support from family and friends and news media. Thank you to all of you that have messaged me, reached out and given me some incredible words of encouragement. Thank you to @abc13houston @kprc2 @cnn @univision and others for allowing my passion to be shown to the world! I pray I will be Maleah’s voice once it’s all said and done and all of the other beautiful babies that the system, and some families failed so miserably to help protect and provide a loving home. I hope that when she’s completed, you will all be reminded to love our children , protect and guide them all the rest of their lives. God bless you all! #cnn #kprc2 #abc13#univision #sculptor#shirleyscarpetta#maleah#loveoneanother#bronze#memorial#theworldsangel#houstonsangel#stopabuse#children#guidance#benice#artist#

A post shared by Shirley Scarpetta (@shirleyscarpettasculptor) on Jun 30, 2019 at 5:17pm PDT

A unidentified benefactor commissioned the piece and while she finished the statue, Scarpetta said the bronze cast needs to be added so the sculpture won't be ready for unveiling for another month. No word yet on where the bust's final resting place will be.

Maleah disappeared on April 30 in Texas and her remains were found in Arkansas a month later on May 31. Though the medical examiner lists Maleah's cause of death as homicidal violence, a lot remains unknown about the details surrounding the little girl's disappearance. In addition to the sculpture, the city of Houston has also decided to honor Maleah by declaring June 9 "Maleah Davis Day."

Shirley-Scarpetta

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