The family of Lauren Smith-Fields held a vigil and balloon release event on the eve of her birthday.  

Lauren Smith-Fields, 23, was found dead in her home after an online date a year ago. Her family has since been critical of police’s handling of the case.

Shantell Fields, her mother, held the vigil at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park the day before what would have been her 25th birthday.  

"I'm doing this today because it's been a whole entire year that my daughter has been gone -- and I just want to celebrate her birthday, and I want the families of Bridgeport to celebrate with me -- the mothers that lost their kids to celebrate with our family. You know, I want, I want -- I don't want nobody to forget about my daughter,” she said.