The parents of a Wichita teen are devastated after the horrific death of their daughter.
Brianna Ibarra, 13, was dragged to death while trying to escape a carjacking Saturday.
"I know they’re tired. They haven’t been able to sleep, close their eyes. It’s difficult," Cheri Becker, the family’s spokesperson, told FOX Television Stations Wednesday.
Brianna was sitting in the family’s Ford Escape while it was parked near a restaurant with the engine running. Wichita police say Brianna was in the back seat when Kevin Palmer, 34, allegedly got into the SUV and began to drive off. The teen attempted to escape, but got tied up in the seatbelt and was outside the vehicle. Palmer continued to drive for several miles, dragging Brianna to her death.
A Good Samaritan called 911, but by the time police caught up to the SUV, Palmer had run off and Brianna was dead.
"This is one of the saddest cases I have been associated with in my over 28 years of law enforcement," Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said in a news release. "WPD sends its thoughts and prayers to family, friends, and others affected by this tragic incident."
Palmer was arrested and has been charged with crimes, including first-degree murder and theft. "He needs to be put away for the rest of his life," Becker added.
A GoFundMe page was launched to help the Ibarra family with expenses.