Shrine To 9-Year-Old Girl Found In The Home Of Convicted Murderer
A disturbing shrine to a 9-year-old girl was found in the home of a convicted murderer. The 63-year-old man from Clarksville, Tennessee has been charged with aggravated criminal trespass, assault, and aggravated sexual battery.
Lenzo Grooms was reportedly using a photography business called “Have Brush Will Travel,” to lure young girls to his home to take their pictures. Grooms allegedly offered his services for $20 to families in his neighborhood.
As reported by News Channel 5, the 9-year-old girl was brought to Grooms’ home on numerous occasions over the last three months to have her picture taken. Clarksville Police Department spokesman, Officer Jim Knoll, stated that the child was given gifts in exchange for having her picture taken.
The mother of the 9-year-old girl was concerned when she notices changes in her daughter’s demeanor. The girl reportedly explained to her mother that Grooms had set up a special bedroom for her in his house and had been touching her inappropriately.
The 9-year-old’s mother allegedly forbid her from visiting Grooms, but the incident was never reported to the police. The family eventually moved from the neighborhood, but Grooms continued visiting the home looking for the little girl.
The new occupants report that they became frightened when Grooms kept showing up at their front door and demanding information about the child’s whereabouts. When Grooms threatened to kill the 9-year-old they called the police.
As reported by The Leaf Chronicle, the police knew of Grooms’ criminal history, particularly that he was a convicted murderer, and were concerned for the girl’s safety. Police found one wall covered with pictures of little girls, particularly featuring the 9-year-old girl, and the words “I live only to serve my queen.”
Police arrested Grooms when they found the shrine, featuring the 9-year-old girl. He is currently being held on $106,000 bond. Grooms was previously convicted of murder in 1984 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
