Friends and family remembered a slain 15-year-old at a candlelight vigil on Friday night.
Surie Baeza was stabbed to death in her home on Tuesday. Her mother's estranged boyfriend, Juan Enrique Torres, has been arrested in connection with her slaying.
Loved ones gathered a few streets away from Baeza's home to remember the sweet, charismatic 15-year-old.
"She was always cracking jokes, really sweet to everybody, but tough when she needed to be," Rockwall Health High School sophomore Kristen Foster said.
It's a tragedy so horrific that it's nearly impossible for some of Baeza's friends to understand.
"My daughter is the same age," Tamara Shroyer said. "They are best friends. We went to her house yesterday, and my daughter was just waiting for her to come out and she just kept saying, 'She's not coming out. She's not coming out.' It broke my heart."
Baeza's mother, Irma Baeza, did not speak at the vigil, but her face spoke volumes about what she and her children are going through.
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"I can promise you, the district attorney's office will do everything in our power to make sure Surie Baeza gets the justice she deserves," Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper said.
Until then, friends and family are clinging to one another and their memories of Surie Baeza.
"I remember spending the first Christmas here in Dallas with Surie and her family," cousin Nadeli Honeycutt said. "I remember when Surie saw snow for the first time; the glow in her eyes was incredible."
Honeycutt spoke on behalf of the Baeza family.
"Rest in peace, my sweet and loving cuz," she said. "In heaven, you will have your dance. Everlasting and eternal happiness are now yours."
Torres is in the Rockwall County Jail charged with homicide. His bond is set at $1 million.
