GBI investigating Polk County toddler's death

POLK COUNTY, Ga. - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death of a Polk County toddler who died over the weekend.

Nelly Miles said Tuesday the agency, at the request of Polk County’s police chief, will be assisting with the investigation into the death of 21-month-old Ella Grayce Pointer.

Monday night, more than 100 people gathered to remember a Polk County toddler who died over the weekend. 

Family members told FOX 5 Ella Grayce Pointer, just 21-months-old, died Sunday at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. 

"This baby was everyone's heart and soul," said grandfather Jack Garner. 

Family demanding justice after Polk Co girl's death. They say she suffered fatal injuries during assault @FOX5Atlanta #fox5atl pic.twitter.com/AbffBBGReK

— Deidra Dukes (@DeidraDukesFOX5) October 31, 2016

Polk County Police Chief Kenny Dodd confirmed Monday that his department has launched a criminal investigation, and the death is being investigated as a homicide. According to  a news release, Polk County Police and E.M.S. personnel were dispatched to an apartment at 45 Adamson Drive where they found the girl not breathing.

The child was airlifted to Egleston, where she died Sunday afternoon. The girl’s grandfather said the family was told by medical personnel at the hospital that the girl had been beaten and assaulted.

Ella's family mourn her death, claim Polk Co child suffered fatal beating at hands of babysitter. Police investigating @FOX5Atlanta #fox5atl pic.twitter.com/ikzyffFxCA

— Deidra Dukes (@DeidraDukesFOX5) October 31, 2016

Chief Dodd said he can’t confirm the cause of death until investigators have the results of an autopsy and other evidence.

Police said they have interviewed the man who was watching Ella and another man who was in the apartment with him, but no arrests have been made in connection with the child's death.

Medical examiners began performing the autopsy Monday morning.

A spokesperson with the GBI said the agency is assisting the Polk County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation. 

Friends and family organized a candlelight vigil for Monday night in Ella Grayce’s memory outside the Cedartown Home Depot. The toddler's parents and grandparents were surrounded there by many from the community, including children still in their Halloween costumes.

All of them raised candles for Ella Grayce, who they said brought light to so many lives. 

"Ella Grayce was so precious, such a beautiful child. She was always laughing and giggling and playing," said grandmother Dorothy Garner. 

Friends have also organized an effort on Facebook to sell t-shirts and car decals to help  the family pay for the girl’s funeral.