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"Our heart is broken for the unfortunate and tragic loss of Valerie Reyes," the organizers said on the GoFundMe page. "We want to show our love, support, and condolences to the Reyes family."
The organizers said that in addition to emotional support for the family, they are asking friends and family to share and help them out with costs to lay her to rest.
Valerie Reyes, 24, of New Rochelle, was found dead, bound and stuffed inside a suitcase in a wooded area of Greenwich on Tuesday, Feb. 5 by public works employees.
Since then her family has struggled to come to grips with the tragedy.
Her mother, Norma Sanchez, said that her daughter told her over the phone the night before she went missing on Jan. 28 that she was afraid someone was going to kill her, reported the New York Times.
According to the Times, Reyes told her mother she kept hearing about all these women being killed and couldn't get it out of her head. The next day she didn't show up for work at the Barnes & Noble where she worked, and her family became concerned. They hired a private investigator who tracked her to New York City and to an ATM machine.
After that, Reyes was not seen again until her body was found inside the suitcase.
Police, who said they do not have a cause of death yet, have not released any information since revealing her name.
Hundreds of people turned out to a large vigil to honor Reyes on Thursday evening.
During the vigil, her mother told those gathered: "My daughter did not deserve whatever you did to her," she said. "My daughter was pure. My daughter was a good soul. You will get caught." She then collapsed into the arms of those around her.
On Friday, the friends started their GoFundMe effort: " Let`s keep the Reyes family in our prayers during this difficult time," they said.
To date, around $15,000 of a $20,000 goal has been raised. To donate, click here.
Greenwich police encourage anyone with information to contact them on their tip line at (203) 622-3333.
This is a developing story. Check back to the Daily Voice for updates.
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