The family of 17-year-old Brittney McInnes issued the following statement to the media Saturday:
"The untimely passing of our beloved Brittney is an extremely tragic ordeal for all of our family and friends to deal with. This has been a week of unimaginable pain for anybody to have to cope with.
Brittney was in her senior year at EP Scarlett High School, and was looking forward to beginning her lifes journey. Possibly as a veterinarian, or maybe in some other career choice that would allow her to be helping others.
She had hoped that this would be the year that she would finally see the Pacific Ocean, and then make her trip to Cabo San Lucas with her mother and lay in the sun and enjoy the beautiful beaches. The fact that Brit was loved by so many people is a credit to her character and upbringing. It is so seldom that one individual can touch so many lives in such a positive way. Her infectious smile and warm hugs will be missed by all of us.
Her heart of gold has been taken away from us in body but not in spirit.
Although the Lord does work in mysterious ways, we do know he is taking good care of our angel.
Up until the events of January 17th, this was a very well balanced, happy, normal household. The family is now finding the strength to deal with this tragedy by leaning on each other and their extended families.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of those who have paid tribute to Brit through Facebook, E-mail, phone calls, cards, letters and visits. We also wish to thank all of our relatives and friends who have lent their support to us through these extremely difficult times.
Funeral services will be held on January 26th at the Lutheran Church Of The Cross.
We would kindly ask the members of the media to give us time and space to grieve our loss, and like to take this opportunity to thank the Calgary Police Department for all of their hard work, patience, respect, and compassion they have shown our family."
45-year-old Bradley Wade Reitze, step-father to Brittney McInnes, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death.
She was found dead in her family's home in the 800 block of Canaveral Crescent in the southwest community of Canyon Meadows Monday.
An ambulance was called to the home earlier in the day and neighbours say a man was taken away on a stretcher.
McInnes was found hidden in a bed around 5:00 p.m. on Monday shortly after her mother had reported her missing.
Investigators say evidence at the scene leads them to believe she may have been killed on Sunday.
Rietze had known McInnes for 13 years and she lived in the home with him, her mother and two siblings.
Rietze was arrested Thursday night after he was released from a local hospital and is cooperating with police.
He will make his first court appearance on Monday, January 25, 2010.
