“I can’t tell you how tragic and sad this case is, to lose a 15-year-old like we lost this one,” Lott stated People magazine reported. “Unfortunately we didn’t bring her home the way we wish that we could.”

Lott also said “there is gang-related activity that’s connected with this case.” However, the relationship between Amenhotep and the three suspects hasn’t been disclosed.

Amenhotep’s mother, Saleemah Graham-Fleming, hopes the suspects are brought to justice.

“There’s really no stars to get for what you did because this was a defenseless person,” Graham-Fleming told WIS. “You know deep inside you didn’t have to kill my daughter,” she continued, referencing the unnamed woman in custody. “I really pray you are brought to justice.”

Amenhotep is also the daughter of Sharif Malik Amenhotep, an anti-violence activist and member of the Brick City Peace Collective in Newark, New Jersey. Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, offered his condolences to Amenhotep for the “tragic loss of his beautiful and intelligent Black daughter,” according to NJ.com.

“No parent should ever have to bury their child. It is an inexplicable loss that defies imagination,” Baraka said in a statement. “We hope that the South Carolina authorities can bring the suspects in this case to justice. Our entire city is joining with the Amenhotep family in their grief and pain.”

Amenhotep commented on his daughter’s death in a Facebook post, saying: “I’m sorry Princess I didn’t protect u.”

“I promise u will never ever leave my heart or mind I cherish all 15 years of your life u spent with me.”

Read more: