Family and friends of Kaytlin Root gathered Wednesday night at Krug Park to remember the 17-year-old with a candlelight vigil.

Over 100 people attended to light candles and sent lighted paper lanterns into the sky over the park where Root’s body was found early Sunday morning.

“I want people not to think of this as not so much a sad moment because Kaytlin was so loving, so giving and this is a sad moment and I don’t want anybody to think she’s not worth it,” said Jamie Jaramillo, Kaytlin’s mother. “I loved my daughter more than words could ever express.  I’m angry that this happened.” 

The St. Joseph Police Department started investigating the case as a homicide Sunday after Kaytlin’s body was found by a runner off of the bike trails.

Police are still investigating her death. Currently, no one is in custody in connection with the case.