Greg Preyer says the holiday season will never again be the same for him and his family.

"I lost my beloved daughter, Essence, two months ago, and she loved the holidays - so we're having a very hard time this holiday season," Preyer told News 12.

Essence Preyer, 33, was found dead inside of her apartment on Lakeview Avenue in New Canaan on Sept. 13, police said.

"I suspect it was murder, and so do officials. New Canaan police initially told us she killed herself, but 30 minutes later, they said upon closer examination and upon consultation with their forensics experts, that the death had been bumped up to a homicide. Then the case was transferred to state police, who are still investigating and haven't yet told us the official cause of death," Preyer said.