Action News Jax can confirm the two sisters of Cherish Perrywinkle have been adopted by relatives in Australia.
But their parents are struggling to make them citizens, making it harder to move on from tragedy.
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The girls were with Cherish in 2013 in the Northwest Jacksonville Walmart when she left with Donald Smith – before she was raped and murdered.
Patricia Green, the former court-appointed attorney for Cherish’s sisters, Destiny and Nevaeh, said she fell in love with the girls instantly.
“If everyone could know them, they would fall in love with them in two seconds. Because the first time we met them, in two seconds that was it. I was in love,” she said.
They were adopted by family members in Australia and the road to citizenship hasn't been easy. How you can help on @ActionNewsJax at 5:30. pic.twitter.com/awDahxN3CF
— Letisha Bereola (@LetishaANjax) February 23, 2017
Green said the death of their sister was the very beginning of a long and tragic journey.
“Their sister is murdered. Both girls adored their sister. She’s gone. They are taken from the only home they know, they go into another home, then they go into foster care. That drags out,” said Green.
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But now the girls have been adopted by relatives in Australia.
“All children deserve happy, safe homes. These girls in particular deserve safe, happy homes,” said Green.
A GoFundMe account was created to help the family through the last stages of gaining Australian citizenship.
The page said their path to citizenship has had some complications.
Green said the family’s supporters want to make the process seamless for the girls, and maybe now they can have some peace.
“We can put this ugly, ugly past behind," said Green.
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