Family, police still searching for answers after woman's death

A young mother with two young sons died just days after she was assaulted in a road rage confrontation.

"Now her kids are left without a mom, and we need answers,” said Elizabeth Arrington, who found her daughter, lifeless, inside her Penn Hills home almost five months ago. “This is not fair. This didn't have to happen and somebody out there has to know something."

In the time that's passed, it hasn't been any easier for Jessica McKinney-Vecchiola's mother, knowing her daughter's death  remains unsolved.

TRENDING NOW:

• Ohio teenager electrocuted in Lake Erie, dies in freak accident
• Police chase ends when SUV crashes through porch, garage
• College student accused of making false rape claims faces 2 years in prison
• VIDEO: City of Pittsburgh charges dealer in connection with drug-involved death

"Basically, her neck was separated from her spine. It was internal decapitation,” Arrington said.

Allegheny County detectives are investigating Jessica's death as a homicide.

"It's devastating. This has shattered my family's lives. I can't imagine anyone wanting to do this to my daughter,” Arrington said.

She claims Jessica told her she was assaulted in a parking lot just five days prior to being found in her Loretta Drive home.

"She said she pulled over so whoever it was could pass her. They followed her. Her son, Lucas, 3 years old, was in the car. They pulled her out of the car and grabbed her by her hair and (were) beating her head against the ground,” Arrington said.

Her family remains on the hunt for answers. They're putting together a benefit next month, Justice for Jessica, at the Trafford American Legion, in hopes of raising money to add to the CrimeStoppers' reward.

"We're just hoping that if we can get enough, somebody's going to come forward and give us the truth we need,” Arrington said. “It's hard, being a mom and losing a child. I never imagined I'd be in this situation."

That benefit will be held July 16 and so far there's a full lineup of bands, and baskets to auction off.

If they don’t get any answers within three years, Jessica's mother says they'll add the money to a trust fund for her two boys.

To donate, checks can be made payable to: Justice for Jessica, PO Box 97767, Pittsburgh PA 15227.

Cox Media Group