(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Sparkles gleamed off purple stones that filled a vase of sunflowers to honor and remember 17-year-old Riley Whitelaw and the legacy she leaves behind. A legacy of kindness and love for others that will forever prevail among the horrific tragedy of June 11, 2022. But above all else, the girl they call “Smiley Riley” and the light she brought into this world continues to shine, and forever will.

Purple stones glisten inside flower vase to remember Riley Whitelaw on Oct. 4, 2023.
Courtesy: FOX21 Photojournalist Cora Mitchell, Purple stones glisten inside a flower vase to remember Riley Whitelaw.

“We are here to talk about the light and the brightness that is Riley Whitelaw,” said 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen during a press conference held Wednesday after the sentencing of 29-year-old Joshua Johnson, who was found guilty of First-Degree Murder in Whitelaw’s death.

A sea of purple filled the courtroom on Wednesday as loved ones, family, and friends shared impact statements and created a memorial piece while sharing what they loved most about who they described as an angel on earth.

A sea of purple filled the courtroom on Wednesday, Oct. 4 as loved ones and friends of Riley Whitelaw filled a memorial to honor her.
A sea of purple was seen in the courtroom on Wednesday as loved ones and friends of Riley Whitelaw filled a memorial to honor her.

The memorial piece was a flower vase, first filled with 42 black stones to represent the pain that Whitelaw faced at the time of her death, purple stones were then added in after each statement. The last of which came from Riley’s mother, Courtenay Whitelaw.

Riley Whitelaw's mom made an impact statement on Wednesday, Oct. 4 as she stood next to a memorial vase for her daughter.
Riley Whitelaw’s mom, Courtenay Whitelaw, made an impact statement on Wednesday as she stood next to a memorial vase to honor her daughter.

“I will live for her and carry her for every moment of every day,” Whitelaw said. “I pray that kindness and love will erase the evilness in this case… thank you all for your time, Riley’s mom.”

Sunflowers would later coat the top of the vase, a reminder of Riley’s brightness.

Sunflowers sit inside vase of purple stones to remember Riley Whitelaw on Oct. 4, 2023.
Courtesy: FOX21 Photojournalist Cora Mitchell, Sunflowers coat vase of purple stones to remember Riley Whitelaw.

“Riley was a very vibrant soul, they called her Smiley Riley and they call her sunshine, and the sunflowers remind them of her and her light,” said Kate Singh, Director of Communications for the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

A light that will forever protect some of the most vulnerable.

Governor Jared Polis gives a pen to the mother of Riley Whitelaw after signing Riley's Law.
Courtesy: FOX21 Chief Photojournalist Mike Duran, Picture shows Governor Jared Polis and Riley’s mom, Courtenay Whitelaw, after signing Riley’s Law.

“While we know that this verdict cannot bring Riley back, her legacy of being a kind and loving person will live on through her family and her friends and the legislation brought about in the wake of the tragedy,” said CSPD Chief Adrian Vasquez. “Riley’s Law will further protect the privacy of juvenile victims, witnesses, and their families.”

A somber day uplifted by the love and memories of those closest to her.

Photos of Riley Whitelaw shared by the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office
Courtesy: 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
Photos of Riley Whitelaw shared by the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office
Courtesy: 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
Riley Whitelaw photo.
Courtesy: FOX21 News

“Riley’s light continues to burn bright and her loved ones, friends, and Riley’s mom have dedicated themselves to guarding that flame,” said Allen. “Riley is not forgotten and today, she received the justice that Colorado law can provide.”