Slain Hercules woman's family holds candlelight vigil

HERCULES, Calif.

We spoke with Ko's daughters who told us they are getting a tremendous response on the Internet. In the meantime, the Hercules police asked for and received help from the FBI.

"We definitely want clues, we want hints on who did this," said one daughter.

With the FBI combing through her home for evidence, Susie Ko's family and friends just want her killer captured.

"I hope for anything, anything possible that will lead to finding the person who did this to my mom," said Sophia Ko, Susie's daughter.

Police say they still have no clear motive for Ko's murder and are still searching for her 2011 Subaru with Idaho license plates. The car is pictured on a website set up by Ko's family.

"We're a quiet bedroom community and it's just a random act of violence," said Hercules Mayor Dan Romero.

The 55-year-old Ko was found Friday night, just inside her front door, an autopsy revealed she died from multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma to the head. With only two crime scene investigators, Hercules police asked the FBI for help and Monday morning a dozen agents spent the day going through the house, collecting potential evidence.

"At some point, we will more than likely take the husband or one of the members of the family through to see if there's anything missing that we don't know about. At this point, the only thing we know is missing is the car," said Hercules Police Officer Connie Van Putten.

Meantime, those who knew Ko are trying to come to grips with her loss.

"It's something I never thought I'd see happen to this person," said 18-year-old Jordan Hernandez.

Hernandez was a student of Ko's at Saint Patrick's Elementary School.

"Who would have the intention to do this to a generous person? It's kind of mind-boggling," said Hernandez.

Ko hasn't taught at Saint Patrick's for five years, but she was still active in the church.

"Children just gravitated to her and even as they graduated, went on to high school, they'd still meet her and talk with her. She would remember their names. She was just a dedicated teacher," said Fr. Larry Young, Saint Patrick Elementary.

The FBI wrapped up their part of the investigation early Monday evening. Police remain on scene at the Hercules home. The family held the vigil at 8:30 p.m. at the Ko home Monday evening.

You can find more information about this case, including the car and link to the family website.

Anyone who spots the Subaru is asked to call Hercules police at (510) 724-1111, or call 911, immediately.

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