New Rochelle Reacts To Death Of 7YO Girl

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The community of New Rochelle continues to react to the death of a 7-year-old girl allegedly at the hands of her father. Gabrielle White was found dead in her home Tuesday. Her father, Neil White, 47, was arrested Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder, a felony.

Police said White allegedly suffocated his daughter in his Arbor Glen home.

White pleaded not guilty to the charge.

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In April, Gabrielle White’s mother — Michelle Hord-White — filed for divorce, the Journal News said.

Hord-White issued a statement on behalf of herself and the family, thanking friends, colleagues, neighbors and strangers for the support the family has received.

“No words could sum up all that Gabrielle meant to us but she was our light. We are broken and devastated that our sweet little girl is gone but we’re thankful that we had seven wonderful years with her,” the statement said.

The family has requested donations be made online at the hordfoundation.org, PO Box 4671, Danbury CT 06813.

New Rochelle City Councilman Jared Rice issued a statement about the death of Gabrielle White on Facebook.

“Today, our entire community mourns the loss of Gabrielle White, a beautiful 7-year-old girl whose time on this earth was cut much too short,” he wrote. “Please lift her family up in prayer as they attempt to deal with this horrific tragedy.”

Rice went on to say that her death hit close to home because “Gabrielle was a dear friend, classmate and soccer, gymnastics and Girl Scouts partner of my daughter Jocelyn. They adored each other.”

“These times are certainly trying, but knowing that as a community, we are all in this together, definitely makes it easier to move forward,” Rice said.

Photo caption: Gabrielle White. Photo credit: Submitted.