LONGUEUIL, Que. — John and Nick Gandolfo said they are living the worst week of their lives.
The father and brother of murder victim Jenique Dalcourt were feeling many emotions Tuesday: anger, frustration and a sense of helplessness.
The 23-year-old woman was killed on a bike path last Tuesday night. Police have suggested she may have been the target of a random attack.
Watch: Longueuil bike path attack
“We’re hurt, we have a hole in our hearts that can never be filled,” the victim’s 28-year-old brother, Nick Gandolfo, told Global News.
The family is now feeling another layer of frustration.
The Gandolfos can’t believe the 26-year-old suspect arrested in the murder case was let go by authorities.
Crown prosecutor Sylvie Villeneuve ordered his immediate release Monday night at the Longueuil courthouse.
Family members say they spent the whole day in court, completely unaware about the possible development.
READ MORE: Suspect released in Longueuil bike path murder
“Police said they’re going to be watching him, but as far as I’m concerned it’s ridiculous,” said the victim’s father John Gandolfo.
“If police have enough evidence to arrest this person, he should be held.”
Longueuil police said the suspect remains an “important witness.”
Spokesperson Cst. Mark David told Global News investigators are waiting for results of lab tests.
“We’re stuck at a standstill in our grieving process,” said Nick Gandolfo.
“We haven’t been able to grieve properly.”
The funeral for the young woman will be held in St-Hubert on Montreal’s south shore.
Visitation is all day Wednesday; a church service is scheduled for Thursday morning.
Hundreds of friends and family members are expected from across Quebec and the United States.
The Gandolfos live in New York and Jenique Dalcourt has siblings on both sides of the border.
“We just bought a new house, moved into a new home. We were working on making a room just for her,” said Nick Gandolfo.
“We were planning a large Christmas celebration.”
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