The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc. and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday, Nov. 20, that a trust fund has been established to benefit Ryan McMillan, the 6-year old sibling of a recent homicide victim: his 3-year-old brother, Scotty McMillan.

Law-enforcement officials said the red-headed 3-year-old was tortured and fatally beaten on Nov. 4 by his mother, Jillian Tait, 31, and her boyfriend, Gary Lee Fellenbaum, 23, at the rented trailer they shared in West Caln Township. Tait and Fellenbaum are both jailed on multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

“The news of Scotty’s death rocked our community to the core,” said Laura Sweeney Derrico in a press release.  “In addition to being a board member of the CVC of CC, I am also a mom to two young, beautiful boys.  It is heartbreaking to know that Scotty suffered such horrific pain.  It is heartbreaking to know that Ryan will have to grow up without his brother by his side.  It is our hope that through the creation of this trust, Scotty’s memory will live on and help Ryan on his journey to healing.  Through this trust, Ryan will know he is not alone; he has a community surrounding him.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said the boys were exposed to atrocities that no child should ever have to endure. “The good people of this community cannot do anything to help Scotty except shed a tear and say a prayer, but we all can join together to help Ryan McMillan rebuild his life.”

From the beginning of these tragic events, individuals and companies have stepped in to help Scotty McMillan’s family, the release said.  James J. Terry Funeral Home arranged and covered all costs for Scotty McMillan’s funeral.  Attorneys Jim McErlane, Skip Persick, and Stacey Willits McConnell from the law firm Lamb McErlane PC in West Chester volunteered to establish the trust.  DNB First, a bank based in Chester County, volunteered to work with the attorneys to handle the details of the trust account.

Attorney Skip Persick and DNB First will act as trustees, making sure that all donations are used for the direct benefit of Ryan McMillan.  Any questions can be directed to Skip Persick at 610-430-8000.

Donations can be sent to Chester County Angel Trust, DNB First Wealth Management, 410 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, Pa., 19341.

 

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