‘She touched a lot of lives.’ Family of Bridgeport woman found dead in Redding discusses loss
On Feb. 18, the 26-year-old’s body was found in a wooded area off Glen Road and Route 53. Police describe the circumstances of her death as "suspicious." The case remains under investigation.
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The family of Leah Chaparro, whose body was found in Redding about two weeks ago, opened up about their loss on Tuesday.
On Feb. 18, the 26-year-old’s body was found in a wooded area off Glen Road and Route 53. Police describe the circumstances of her death as "suspicious." The case remains under investigation.
In an exclusive interview with News 12 Connecticut, Leah Chaparro’s family said she was an amazing young woman and that her legacy will be a lasting one.
They say she was a graduate of Norwalk's Brien McMahon High School and had a caring heart, touching the life of every person she met.
"She knew a lot of people. She touched a lot of lives,” said Carlos Chaparro, Leah Chaparro’s brother. "From the moment she was born she was loved. What was inspiring about her is that she had every reason to be mad at the world, mad at people, and she still found a way to smile and make other people laugh."
Her family said they have no idea how or why she ended up dead in a wooded area off Glen Road in Redding. Her body was found by a jogger.
Carlos Chaparro said he found out about it through a phone call from state police.
“The circumstances in the way that Leah was found indicate that someone knows something,” said Carlos Chaparro.
Carlos Chaparro also said his family is speaking out to get justice for his sister and to let the world know about the legacy she has left behind.
"She was a foster child, in and out of the system, but she never used that as an excuse. I think it's important for people to know that Leah would never have wanted to be defined by her struggles,” said Carlos Chaparro. “I think it was the fact that she was able to overcome a lot of those things to inspire other people who may have gone through similar struggles."
He said she should never have ended up the way she did and hopes someone will come forward with information.
"It could help all of us get some closure and keep Leah's memory alive,” said Carlos Chaparro.
MORE: State police: Route 53 in Redding reopens following investigation into roadway death
