Thursday, October 21, 2010

Lakeland, MN: Jacob Campbell, Lisa Grijalva Murder-Suicide: Family of Murder-Suicide Victim Talks

Posted by Edecio Martinez
LAKELAND, Minn. (CBS/WCCO) The family of Lisa Grijalva, the victim of last week's heartbreaking murder-suicide, spoke about the bubbly 15-year-old for the first time since the Minnesota teen was found dead Oct. 12.

PICTURES: Jacob Campbell and Lisa Grijalva

Lisa's family and friends stood hand-in-hand as they spoke about the 15-year-old who they said loved soccer and spending time with her family, according to CBS affiliate WCCO.

Police say Lisa was shot to death, on Oct. 12, by 14-year-old Jacob Campbell, who then shot himself. Their bodies were found in Humphries Park, near Lakeland, Minn.

"Lisa was a very responsible, honest young lady who participated in a weekly church group, She was an avid soccer player and track star," Angela Hoops, Lisa's cousin, told the station.

Her family said Lisa was an honor student who loved school and helping her friends. She shared a video of still pictures showing Lisa hanging with family and playing with her younger cousins, something they said she loved to do.

"Please honor our choice not to answer questions directly related to this incident as we do not have enough answers at this time ourselves," Hoops told WCCO.

Lisa's family would not talk about what happened on the path in the dark woods of Lakeland's Humphries Park last Tuesday. Investigators believe Campbell shot and killed Lisa and then turned the gun on himself.

"As a family, we want to stress the responsibility we have as parents to teach our children about gun safety and domestic violence. We as parents have the obligation to make sure our guns are secure and our children are safe," Lisa's cousin said, according to the station.

This family said they are focusing on all the joy Lisa brought to so many. They also say they find comfort in knowing she will never be forgotten and that her sweet spirit will always be with them

"Her nieces and nephews will miss their time at the park. Her family, we will miss it all," said Hoops.

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