The parents of Kelli O'Laughlin, the 14-year-old Lyons Township freshman who was found stabbed to death on Oct. 27, have released the statement below.

Police say O'Laughlin was killed after walking in on a burglary taking place in her own home on the 6300 Block of Keokuk Road in Indian Head Park.

On behalf of our family—including my wife Brenda and our sons Ryan and Daniel and daughter Bridgette—we are truly overwhelmed and touched by the outpouring of support we have received from the community and all those who knew and loved Kelli. We are so grateful to everyone who has offered their support and condolences in this difficult time. We also thank you for allowing us to mourn in private.

People continue to ask us what they can do to help. We ask that you please keep Kelli and our family in your prayers.

We've established a scholarship fund to keep the memory of Kelli alive through future education opportunities for other young people. The scholarship fund is in the form of a donor-advised fund facilitated by the Chicago Community Trust. Information and can be found and online donations made at www.kellijoyolaughlinmemorialfund.com.

Or checks payable to "The Chicago Community Foundation," noting "The Kelli Joy O'Laughlin Memorial Fund" in the memo line, can be sent to:

The Chicago Community Trust
attn: Nicole Mitchell
111 East Wacker Drive
Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60601 

We especially want to thank the efforts of the Indian Head Park police department and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. Their members have been working around the clock to try to solve this tragic crime. We encourage anyone who may have relevant information to please contact the Indian Head Park police department at (708) 246-4534.

Vistitation will be held on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St. in Countryside.

On Friday, a funeral mass will be held at 9:45 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Church in Western Springs, 5005 Wolf Rd. Attendees of the funeral are asked to meet at the church.

Before the funeral, anyone wanting to show support for the O'Laughlins is invited to join hands along the route from Hallowell & James Funeral Home to St. John of the Cross church at 9:15 a.m.

People will be standing in silence to pay their respects alongside 55th Street or Wolf Road between the funeral home and the church. The funeral procession consisting of Kelli’s immediate family and relatives and will begin at about 9:15 a.m.