Family of slain nurse's aide speaks out on murder

The family of murder victim Alicia Ernst, released a statement to the media Tuesday saying they are devastated by their loss.Losing our beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend is an incredible loss that words cannot describe, Brandon Ernst wrote in a prepared statement. Our family will be mourning this tragic loss for years to come. Alicia will be dearly missed but never forgotten.The body of 24-year-old Alicia Ernst, a nurse's aide who was employed by Siena Care in Auburn, was found in rural Roseville March 10 by an employee with the Department of Public Works on the side of Walerga Road near Old Walerga Road. Stephanie Nicole Erends, 25, was arrested and charged with suspicion of killing Ernst. Erends has pleaded not guilty to a single count of murder.Ernst was described by her family as a social, charming young woman.Alicia loved to be around people and always attracted a crowd everywhere she went, Brandon Ernst wrote. She was truly stunning and could have done anything she wanted to do in her life.Alicia Ernst worked at Siena Care Center in Auburn for nearly two years before her death. She was planning on a career in nursing, her family said.She took care of hospice patients all day and loved to help out as much as she could, the prepared statement reads. She always had a list of goals to be accomplished pinned to her wall that would remind and motivate her.Ernst and Erends knew one another, however, the motive for the alleged killing has not been made public by officials.Erends is additionally charged with a special allegation of the use of a deadly weapon. According to a felony complaint filed March 17 in Placer County Superior Court, Erends reportedly used a sharp-edged utility tool in the commission of the crime.Investigators reported that Ernst was killed in the early morning hours of March 8 at the location where her body was found. The alleged murder weapon has been recovered, officials saidFor the Ernst family, an arrest doesn't necessarily mean there is any closure or solace.Our family and friends cannot understand what would ever drive someone to murder a charming and beautiful young woman, the prepared statement reads. She was always looking forward to her undoubted future success. We will always love you Alicia.Erends remains in custody without bail in the Placer County Jail and is scheduled to return to court April 1. The Journal's Penne Usher can be reached at penneu@goldcountrymedia.com or post a comment..