Zuzu Verk’s family releases statement as additional remains found in Alpine

Police were reportedly planning to arrest Robert Fabian before the remains were found

The family of Zuzu Verk, the 22-year-old woman believed to have been murdered this October by her boyfriend, has issued a statement following the discovery of remains near where Verk was last seen alive.

As our family awaits the likely news that our worst fears have been realized, our sorrow has grown alongside a sense of relief from the constant state of not knowing. Zuzu has been a bright light in our lives. It has been our greatest challenge to go forward these last months without her joyous laugh, fierce idealism and heart-melting smile, knowing we may all never have them again. We could not have maintained our strength without the comforting embrace of our family, friends and community.

READ also: Zuzu Verk’s boyfriend arrested a day after remains found

Robert Fabian was arrested on Saturday and charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence by concealing a human corps. According to CBS 7, police have been searching the home of Fabian’s sister and cars on the property for tools that could have been used for digging. The remains were found in a shallow grave on Friday, and have not yet been positively identified.

Brewster County Sheriff Ronny Dodson told CBS 7 that additional remains found on Saturday are “crucial” to the investigation and will help investigators determine a cause of death.

Police also told CBS 7 that an arrest warrant for Fabian had been forthcoming, even before the remains were found.

The Verk family statement continued:

Our sorrow has grown alongside a sense of relief from the constant state of not knowing. Zuzu has been a bright light in our lives. It has been our greatest challenge to go forward these last months without her joyous laugh, fierce idealism and heart-melting smile, knowing we may all never have them again. We could not have maintained our strength without the comforting embrace of our family, friends and community.

Photo: Alpine Police Department