Family, friends gather at vigil to remember missing Rancho Mirage woman

It's been a year since the disappearance of Rancho Mirage resident, Rebecca Modrall.

It's a case the Sheriff's department is treating as a homicide.

Family, friends and community members gathered at Freedom Park in Palm Desert for a vigil to remember the 33-year old mother.

Tears were shed, candlelights were raised high all in honor of Rebecca Modrall.

“Its very special, its shows us that were not going let pass and we all feel the same way," said Scott Modrall, Rebecca's father.

A year ago, the family lost their loved one, Rebecca Modrall.

The family said Rebecca was set to meet her long time boyfriend at his home in La Quinta and that was the last time they knew of her whereabouts.

“You hear of things like this happening but you never think its going to happen to you or to your family," said Autumn Tarter, Rebecca's cousin.

Family and friends dressed in green t-shirts which read "Justice for Rebecca" and releasing 50 butterflies in her honor.

“It was like sending her up to heaven," said Tarter.

Also, a new memorial unveiled on Saturday for the first time on Madison Street near Avenue 50 in La Quinta the area where Rebecca was before her disappearance.

“She had alot of humor, she was alot of fun sometimes she could be difficult but we really miss her. She was a great conversationalist, she called me everyday, we talked alot, its been really quiet without her," said Sarah, Rebecca's mother.

The family said the vigil and the memorial both aimed at bringing awareness to Rebecca's case and the fact that her body has not been found.

“We have not given up looking for Rebecca and finding out what happened to her," said Sarah.