JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Justice Coalition held its 5th annual Champions for Justice award Thursday night. The event is held each year to honor people throughout the community who are strong advocates for crime prevention and justice for victims of violent crime.
A new award was unveiled during Thursday's dinner, one that honored the 9-year-old victim who survived a brutal attack inside the bathroom at a local Best Buy.
The Justice Coalition referred to the 9 year old only as "Ella" Thursday night in order to protect the young girl's identity.
"Ella" received an award for the bravery and courage she had to fight off the man accused of attacking her inside a Best Buy bathroom Aug. 23.
"It was horrific, it was horrific for her parents, because they realize how close to death she came," said Executive Director of the Justice Coalition, Ann Duggar. "Not only did she kick and scream and holler, she was able to save her life by the actions that she took. But she also saved the life of many other children by what she did."
Aside from receiving the honor, the Justice Coalition also surprised "Ella" with an all-expense paid trip to Disney World.
"Ella's" attacker, James Tadros is facing attempted murder charges. He is due back in court at the end of October.