ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- Somer Thompson's family is celebrating their first Christmas without their little girl.
Somer Thompson was murdered in October as she was walking home from school. Her killer hasn't been found. This is the first Christmas her family is celebrating without her. But strangers are leaving messages of hope for the family. They're on the website rememberingsomer.com.
Diena Thompson kept hoping her daughter would come home safe. But she got the news no mother wanted. Somer's body was found in a Georgia landfill days after she went missing. Diena attended dozens of memorials, clinging to friends and family for support.
In an interview with Action News in November she said, "I'm a single mother and made $14 an hour. I did what I had to do and now I have to live the rest of my life feeling like I played a role in this."
On the website people from around the world are sending their prayers to Diena Thompson. Christmas Eve someone wrote, "I wanted to let you know that my family and friends are thinking of you and your family during this holiday season. I know it will be difficult for you all as you miss Somer so much. All I can say is she is having the best christmas of all as she celebrates with the one who is the reason of the season after all!"
Lisa in Australia says "Our purple decorations on our tree remind me of Somer. Don't forget to give your other children lots of hugs and kisses, they don't want to lose their mum and sister."
Diena wears purple all the time. It was Somer's favorite color. She still has a hole in her heart that only Somer can fill.
Police aren't giving us many details about how the investigation is going. They only say progress is being made and they are still working this case, even over the holidays. If you have any information that could lead the arrest of Somer's killer, you can call the tip line at 1-877- 227- 6911 or email your tips to cart@claysheriff.com.
