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DRAPER — One year ago, the body of a 15-year-old Anne Kasprzak was found in the Jordan River, stabbed to death, according to police. After all that time, all that waiting, there are still no answers as to what happened to her.
Family and friends held a vigil Sunday night at the bridge where she was killed to commemorate her and remember the girl for who she really was — not a murder victim, but a kind young woman with her whole life ahead of her.
"We're forever changed because of her," said father Dennis Kasrzak.
She is no longer here, but both people who knew her well and people who never even met her feel changed because of who she was.
"She was just a little mother to all the kids," said aunt Lisa Montellano.
Two men were thought to be connected to the death but have since been cleared as persons of interest. Daniel Robert Lehi Ferry was arrested for investigation into the murder, but is no longer thought to be involved. He has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation.
Veanuia Vehekite, was arrested and sentenced in 2012 on unrelated crimes, but was initially thought to be involved. He too is no longer a person of interest.
Sunday, Anne's family prayed for one thing — answers.
"It's like we never get to let go of the manner in which she died," said mother Veronica Kasprzak.
Words of hope are still written and spoken, and those who attended still hope each candle sheds light on why Kasprzak's body was found in the river one year ago.
"We're not going to disappear just because there hasn't been an answer to why she died," her mother said.
And the family is offering a 5-thousand dollar award for any information leading to an arrest.
