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 Alysa Zatelny. |
EDMONTON -- The family of Grande Prairie teen Alysa Zatelny is planning a candlelight ceremony in her memory after receiving confirmation remains found near Grande Prairie were hers.
On Tuesday, after a delay while awaiting dental and medical records, the medical examiner's office in Edmonton formally identified the body found June 21.
Meg Edgerton, a friend of Zatelny's, said she had always held out hope that Zatelny would return safe, but added the news did offer some relief.
"I do feel a relief because I know there's no pain," she said. "I do believe in heaven and that there is a better place. I know I'm going to see her again."
Zatelny, a 19-year-old Grande Prairie woman, was reported missing by family June 13, two days after she was last seen.
Her body was discovered in a wooded area near Bear Creek Park.
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An autopsy was conducted on the body June 23, but medical investigator Ted Pretty said at the time decomposition slowed the process of firming up the identity.
Charges have been laid in connection to Zatelny's body.
Christopher Podruzny, 21, and a 14-year-old girl were arrested June 24 and charged with committing an indignity to a body.
Podruzny was also charged with three counts of breaching recognizance terms when he was arrested.
Indignity to a body does not necessarily link someone to a death. Police said Zatelny's death is being treated as suspicious but no other charges have been laid.
According to a Facebook group created by Zatelny's aunt, the candlelight ceremony will take place tomorrow. Edgerton said she's planning her own smudging ceremony to bid her friend a final farewell and remembers Zatelny as "one of the funnest, nicest people I've ever known."
Meanwhile, Podruzny remains in police custody. He will next appear in court July 15.
The 14-year-old is free on bail, under terms including a curfew and mandatory residence with her mother. She has a lawyer and will next appear in court July 13.
Both also have other matters within the court system, currently set for trial.
ALYSSA.NOEL@SUNMEDIA.CA