MONTICELLO, N.Y. -- When family and friends talk about April Parker, who was first reported missing one year ago, here's how they describe her:
“She was a sweetheart, very kind, giving,” said Nathan Walker, April’s brother.
“She liked to laugh, she loved to do hair," said Takenta Burns, April’s friend. "She was a caring person, always being there when you needed her.”
“It was nice having somebody I could always talk to," said Brianna Bukovinsky, April’s friend. "She was the first person I texted in the morning, always before we go to sleep, all day every day.”
Unfortunately, life was cut short for the mother of four. Just days after Bukovinsky reported her missing, Parker's remains were found in the woods behind an apartment complex in Monticello.
“I didn’t feel that she would ever leave her kids behind,” Bukovinsky said.
The news of Parker's remain being found dismembered shocked loved ones.
“That was like an ultimate crush to my heart, like who does that to somebody. That really broke my heart,” Bukovinsky said.
“I couldn’t believe it. I kind of denied it was actually going on,” Walker said.
One year later, no arrests have been made. The case in now in the hands of state police, and as the investigation continues, family and friends are making sure this case stays open.
“It’s very hard. Somebody needs to be held accountable for what they did to this young woman,” Bukovinsky said.
“It’s tough, it’s not something easy. This is my only sister. I don’t have any other sisters that I grew up with,” Walker said.
On Wednesday, family and friends will gather in front of the Sullivan County Courthouse to remember and celebrate the life of April Parker.