Family, Friends Put Up 8-Foot-Tall Cross In Memory Of Slain Bethany Teen

Chris McKinnon, News 9

BETHANY, Oklahoma -- Friends and family gather to remember a teen brutally murdered more than two weeks ago.

Police discovered the body of Carina Saunders in a duffel bag near a Homeland Store in Bethany. Her loved ones put up a cross in Saunders' memory Saturday.

10/17/2011 Related Story: Body Found In Duffel Bag In Bethany Identified As Missing Teen

This 8-foot-tall cross stands near the site where Carina Saunders' body was found. Family and friends came to this spot demanding justice and remembering a young woman whose life was cut short.

Saunders' cousin joins dozens of friends and family members who dedicated this 8-foot cross honoring their loved-one, who they say had so much potential.

"Because she was so young and so beautiful and had her whole life ahead of her, and the crime was so heinous," said Christina Vass, Saunders' aunt. "We want to honor her and keep her alive."

Many at the ceremony are still in disbelief over the brutal murder.

"It's unfair," said Glinda Wilde, Saunders' cousin. "It's not fair that somebody is walking around while she's not."

Her family wants answers about what happened and who killed Saunders, and they keep faith those answers will come.

"If there is anybody that knows anything about, either small or big, that knows anything about what happened to carina, please contact the authorities. We're begging people,"Wilde said.

All they can do now is keep spreading the word and hope something in the case breaks.

"It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow but this crime will be solved, and the person responsible, person or persons, will be brought to justice," Wilde said.

Until then, Saunders' family and friends leave messages on this cross. They said they know she feels their love with the outpouring of support.

"We'll never forget you Carina, and thank you for every precious memory you've given us," Wilde said.

Police say they do not have any suspects right now in Saunders' murder. If you have any information, call Bethany police at (405)-789-2323.

10/28/2011 Related Story: Bethany Police Ask For Public's Help Solving Carina Saunders' Murder

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview, Saunders' parents talk about the torture of losing their daughter. It's a story News 9 viewers will see Monday at 10 p.m. only on News 9.