The family tells ABC7 Eyewitness News that the teen was beaten and thrown from the car.
South suburban police continue to investigate the death of an 18-year-old girl who was beaten and thrown out of a car. And Sunday night her family spoke out.
An arrest has been made, but while the charges don't appear to have anything to do with Brittany Wawrzyniak's death, Worth Police say it is related. The 20-year-old suspect will be in court Monday.
A cross, some flowers and balloons mark the spot in south suburban worth where police say 18-year-old Brittany Wawrzyniak was thrown out of a car Friday evening. The impact killed her. Sunday night, friends and acquaintances came to remember her.
"I just felt like I needed to come to pay my respects," said family friend Niki Rivera. "I feel so bad for her, for her family and everybody."
A recent graduate of Sheperd High School in Palos Heights, Wawryniak was currently a student at the Illinois Institute of Art downtown. Her mother says she wanted a career in music production.
"She wanted to be loved," said Rebecca Tully. "She wanted to be part of a group. She wanted to be loved. She was in the church. She wanted to take care of people."
Police are still calling it a death investigation, but earlier Sunday afternoon they announced an arrest they say is related, but would not explain how. Charged with unlawful delivery of a substance is 20-year-old Eric Johnson.
"Just speak the truth," Tully said. "My daughter is precious. She's precious. And I don't know, this is all still a shock. I'm not a vengeful person. I just want the truth to come out and whoever is responsible to pay."
A candlelight vigil is planned for Monday evening at the site where Brittany was found. Visitation will take place on Tuesday.
Her family is still trying to raise the money needed for her funeral.
