Family, Friends Honor Life Of 27-Year-Old Woman Murdered In Haskell

Friends and family of a Sapulpa woman murdered in Haskell said she was the kind of person who changed your life, just by being a friend.

27-year-old Alyssa Edlund was shot and killed on Saturday, and police say no arrests have been made.

Related Story: Haskell Police Identify Victim Of Fatal Shooting In Muskogee County

Alyssa’s dad, Bobby Edlund, said his daughter was brilliant and she loved to hunt and fish with him. He said she had a passion for people and exploring the world.

Her friends said Alyssa would be there for them, no matter what, and losing her doesn’t feel real. Her bright smile and loud laugh are the first things friends and family say you’d notice about Alyssa.

"She's one of those people that shines out of the corner of any room," said Zahara Meeker. "You can't help but say, oh, that's Alyssa.”

Alyssa's friend Meeker worked with her for about a year as a waitress. She said Alyssa was there for all her friends, day or night, to make anyone’s day better.

“Her laugh is one of those laughs that projects two miles," Meeker said.

Alyssa grew up near Sapulpa, and her dad Bobby said hunting and fishing was their favorite thing to do together.

“I had some of the best times of my life with her hunting and camping and fishing, and just cherishing and rejoicing that," Bobby said.

"She had a soft, sweet side, but was a strong girl and not afraid to try anything," said Pattie Bing.

Pattie Bing mentored Alyssa after she and her dad got involved with a turkey hunting group. She said Alyssa was outgoing, smart, and on her way to being a mentor herself.

Alyssa went on to study wildlife ecology and management at OSU and got several internships as she worked toward her dream.

“She absolutely loved the outdoors," Bing said.

Bobby said his family is still grieving the loss of Alyssa’s older brother, Blake, who died three years ago. He said this is something no family should ever have to go through, and they're holding on to God and prayer.

"It's something I don't know how you manage to get through it," Bobby said. "She’s definitely missed by many.”

Haskell Police said they’re still investigating this case and haven’t made any arrests.

If you’d like to help Alyssa’s family, click here.

Many of Alyssa’s friends sent statements to News On 6’s Kristen Weaver to remember and honor Alyssa’s life.

Holly Brewer:

"Alyssa was my best friend. So even thinking about her being gone hurts. She was like a sister to me. We used to joke all the time we were so much alike we must’ve been related in a past life somehow. From the moment we met we just clicked. The first day we met we went for brunch and literally spent the entire day and night together shopping , going out downtown and it was history from there. We spent so much time together most people thought we were related. She’s been there for me through a lot. She was the friend I could call anytime of day or night and it didn’t matter what was going on she was always there. Everytime. She was really special to me. So to know someone hurt her like that is hard. Anytime anyone ever hurt the other friend we always had each other’s back to handle it for them. So the fact I literally can’t have her back through this is killing me. It’s just sad."

Niandra Murillo:  

"Alyssa was my best friend. For the past 12 years she has been through everything with me. I couldn’t have ever imagined my life without her. I never thought I would be writing something like this. I am so heartbroken to have lost someone so dear to me. Alyssa was the most fun-loving person I’ve ever met. She loved with everything in her and fought for what was right. She was the best person to have in your corner. She went out of her way to make everyone feel special and put others first. She was loved by everyone who met her. After hearing what happened I only want the truth and justice for Alyssa. She didn’t deserve this, her family and her friends didn’t deserve to lose out on someone so special to us."

Mikayla Freeman:  

"Alyssa was my pal, my very best friend. She always went above and beyond for her friends, and was always full of life. She had nothing but love for me, and I’m so thankful I got a chance to grow up with her and be her best friend. I wish we could sit at her parents house, eat mac n cheese and change our MySpace backgrounds one more time. Her and her family are my family and I have nothing but love for them all."

Donielle Brigance:

"Having to say goodbye to someone we love is one of the hardest things we have to do in life, but remembering all the fond memories I shared with Alyssa gives me hope and solace. I met Alyssa when we were just in the 3rd grade, so I guess that would have been around 2002, and we were close from the beginning. Alyssa was one of those people you always wanted to have around, and would always be one of the first you’d call if you really wanted to have a blast. She was always down for anything fun, and could get along with anyone under the sun, and that’s what made Alyssa so special, her ability to befriend and love anybody no matter who you were. She just loved people and was a people person. Life’s not gonna be the same without her. She was a light that shined through a dark world, and I’m gonna miss her beautiful soul forever. I pray that justice will be served and for her family to have closure."

Juliauna Zewalk:

"Alyssa was the life of the party. She never met a stranger. Her kindness and beauty radiated from the inside out. She would give anyone a lending hand if it was ever needed. She always cracked jokes and really did live her life to the fullest. She was one in a trillion and will be forever missed."