BEAUMONT, Texas — Friends and family of LaQuanta Edwards gathered Sunday night at C.E. King High School in Houston for a balloon release honoring her life, two days after her body was found near Tyrrell Park in Beaumont.

Edwards was discovered Friday with multiple stab wounds, according to Beaumont police.

Police said Thaddeaus McCray has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with her death. Investigators said cell phone records and physical evidence helped identify McCray as a suspect.

McCray’s bond was later set at $1.5 million by Jefferson County Magistrate Judge Rick Hughes. He remains in the Jefferson County jail.

Authorities are investigating three different crime scenes tied to the case, including the area near Tyrrell Park where Edwards’ body was found, Ashley

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