Puerto Rico: A father and grandparents torn apart by murder of child

Ricardo Galarza, the father of Jorelys still does not believe that his little the have killed.   (For First Time / Edgar Vazquez Columbus)

Ricardo Galarza, father of the little Jorelys still does not believe that his little girl has been killed and will never understand how a man may be able to take the life of a child in such a vile way.

Jorelys had disappeared and was found yesterday in a dumpster. Her body was disfigured, brutally beaten, and showing signs of sexual abuse. It's a very harsh reality to digest by a parent.

"It's been two years since I saw her, she told me she wanted to return to Puerto Rico," said the father of Jorelys, while holding a picture of your child.

Galarza described his daughter as a loving, helpful child with the capacity of a very mature person for her young age.

"I tell parents not to trust anyone. Do not leave their children alone for care with anyone," said Galarza.

The father said that her remains will be brought back to the island and he is making the funeral arrangements for the child who will be buried in Puerto Rico.

The Grandparents are without comfort.  They wanted to spend Christmas with their granddaughter, whom they last saw four years ago but fate took away the joy upon learning that their little Jorelys was brutally murdered in the city of Canton, Georgia, where she lived with her mother and siblings.

The dining table at the residence of Jorelys maternal grandparents became an altar with photos of the little girl and candles as a sign of hope that she may appear alive. But sadly it did not happen.

For Blas Rivera, the girl's maternal grandfather, the news felt like a bucket of cold water. It was a blow from which he can never recover.

"She was a good girl, happy, respectful and humble," said the grandfather who will travel to Georgia on Wednesday to meet his daughter, Joseline Rivera.

The maternal grandmother leaves now with confidence of returning in the custody of the minor daughters who were removed from Joseline's home as a preventive measure.

Don Blas said his 24 year old daughter had moved to America four years ago seeking a better quality of life.  She always said she liked where she lived and that her three daughters, seven, four and one year were happy there.

His daughter worked in a factory.

"This is very hard, my daughter needs us," said Don Blas.

The grandfather appreciated the outpouring of support from neighbors, friends and Mayor Walter Torres Maldonado. The latter will help with the costs and transfer processes of the body to Puerto Rico.

Residents of Alturas de Peñuelas II  gathered outside the residence for a prayer circle. They chanted and prayed for the repose of Jorelys and the strength that her family needs.  (read article in Spanish here and see photos and video)