Funeral services were held Friday for a Freehold woman whose remains were found months after she disappeared from her home.
Dozens of mourners attended the service for Stephanie Parze at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Freehold.
The 25-year-old woman's remains were found Sunday afternoon in Old Bridge by two teenagers. Her family and friends had conducted extensive searches throughout the region since she went missing.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said Monday that investigators believe Parze was killed in late October by her ex-boyfriend, John Ozbilgen. Ozbilgen was originally considered a person of interest in her disappearance and was even charged with possessing child pornography.
But he was released and was found dead in his home a few days later. His death was ruled a suicide.
Parze’s family plans to start a foundation in her honor to raise awareness about domestic violence.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.