The parents of a slain B.C. teen say their family has been "broken" by her brutal murder last month.
Clutching a picture of 15-year-old Laura Szendrei at a press conference in Delta, B.C., her mother Rachel said she and her husband are sickened with grief.
"Every parent's nightmare is now our unthinkable reality," she told reporters.
"We loved her very much and she was an extremely wonderful young girl, so full of life and one who brought so much joy to our lives. Her smile will forever be etched in our minds and hearts."
This is the first time Szendrei's parents have spoken since the teen was found brutally beaten in a suburban park south of Vancouver on Sept. 25. She died a day later in hospital.
"We were all by her side when she died early Sunday morning," Rachel Szendrei said, choking back tears.
Police have made no arrests in the case.
Szendrei, who described her daughter as "a passionate soul" who one day dreamed of being a nurse with four children of her own, said their family has been touched by the outpouring of care and support from people in their city.
"The closeness of a community like Delta is something we take for granted and just don't fully realize until a time like this. So, from our family to yours -- thank you for caring for us," she said.
Taking the microphone from his wife, Laura's father Mike, a burly man wearing a black shirt and leather vest, said he prided himself on being a provider and protector for his family until his daughter's murder.
"As a father I am enraged that someone has taken my daughter Laura who was so precious, innocent and full of life. I loved her with all my being and she knew that," he said, wiping back tears.
Szendrei sent an urgent plea for help to anyone who might have information about who killed his daughter.
"I am not the type to ask for help but today I am asking. I need a hand," he said, before sitting down next to his crying wife.
Const. Sharlene Brooks although said no updates on the case are expected in coming days, it is important for the community to stay calm while police investigate all potential leads.
"We understand the community searches for answers and that patience may wear thin when the appearance of progress is slow," Brooks said.
A person of interest in her death, a man described as a 16 to 25-year-old with a medium build, has yet to come forward. He was seen either texting or talking on the phone leaving the park the afternoon of the murder.
Investigators still haven't said whether the incident was random or targeted.
Earlier this week, Delta city workers started clearing the brush in Mackie Park to create better sightlines for joggers and walkers.
